The importance of Boy Scouts

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
My name is spidey, an eagle scout.

I can honestly say that scouting was one of the best things I ever did with my life and I am thankful that I was a part of it.

This is not a weblog. I only want to express just how GOOD scouting is:

1) I can start a fire anywhere, with just about anything. Yeah, the rumors are true.
2) First Aid - why this isn't taught in schools is beyond my comprehension. Saved two peoples lives with what I learned from scouting.
3) Safety - sure playing with dangerous stuff is dangerous but if you learn about it and respect it the danger is minimized.
4) Drop a good scout out in the middle of nowhere and he'll be just fine, vs. dropping a kid off at a shopping mall. Scout still get's home quicker.
5) Citizenship - do what is right for your fellow man/women

Scouts, It's a great thing to get you child involved in as it teaches/mentors so many good things.

 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91
Fellow Eagle Scout circa '98. I would have missed out on a LOT of trips/experiences/knowledge without the Boy Scouts.

If I have a son, he is DEFINITELY getting into scouts
 

datalink7

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
16,765
6
81
2) First Aid - why this isn't taught in schools is beyond my comprehension. Saved two peoples lives with what I learned from scouting.

This is probably school dependent. My elementary school taught first aid/cpr.
 

HaxorNubcake

Golden Member
Jun 23, 2004
1,983
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Originally posted by: datalink7
2) First Aid - why this isn't taught in schools is beyond my comprehension. Saved two peoples lives with what I learned from scouting.

This is probably school dependent. My elementary school taught first aid/cpr.

lol i'd rather not have a 5th grader doing cpr on me

edit: *well if there was no one else, I'd take what I could get
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: NFS4
Fellow Eagle Scout circa '98. I would have missed out on a LOT of trips/experiences/knowledge without the Boy Scouts.

If I have a son, he is DEFINITELY getting into scouts

Couldn't agree more.

If I have sons, their arse is going into scouting. Kicking and screaming.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: HaxorNubcake
lol i'd rather not have a 5th grader doing cpr on me

edit: *well if there was no one else, I'd take what I could get

Funny though....how many people know how to properly administer CPR? How many are conditioned to immediately respond without standing around dumbfounded? See, we scouts go through mock exercises so that when crap is going on we don't have to think...we just do.

That was nailed into us even at a young age. That 5th grader, with his first aid merit badge (one of the harder ones, proves he knew what he was doing and went through training) could do more than MOST adults.
 

Perknose

Forum Director & Omnipotent Overlord
Forum Director
Oct 9, 1999
46,872
10,665
147
Except for "The Merit Badge That Dares Not Speak Its Name" that certain scoutmasters used to issue on the sly, I agree with you, OP.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: NFS4
Fellow Eagle Scout circa '98. I would have missed out on a LOT of trips/experiences/knowledge without the Boy Scouts.

If I have a son, he is DEFINITELY getting into scouts

ya know, I've always liked your integrity. I'm not surprised you are an eagle scout.

Good job.
 

iamme

Lifer
Jul 21, 2001
21,058
3
0
interesting. can you talk more about the things you did? at what age did you guys join?
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
it was good before it got taken over by the mormons. now supporting the scouts is supporting bigotry. sad but true.
go hiking, go camping, do a ropes course, its not really that important.
 

ScottyB

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2002
6,677
1
0
Originally posted by: spidey07
My name is spidey, an eagle scout.

I can honestly say that scouting was one of the best things I ever did with my life and I am thankful that I was a part of it.

This is not a weblog. I only want to express just how GOOD scouting is:

1) I can start a fire anywhere, with just about anything. Yeah, the rumors are true.

I can teach my children this. And do I really want my kids buiding fires everywhere, with anything they find laying around?

2) First Aid - why this isn't taught in schools is beyond my comprehension. Saved two
peoples lives with what I learned from scouting.

Some schools do teach this.

3) Safety - sure playing with dangerous stuff is dangerous but if you learn about it and respect it the danger is minimized.

I can teach my kids this.

4) Drop a good scout out in the middle of nowhere and he'll be just fine, vs. dropping a kid off at a shopping mall. Scout still get's home quicker.

Why are my kids being dropped off in the middle of nowhere?

5) Citizenship - do what is right for your fellow man/women

Such as not allowing homosexuals and athiests to join your organization?

Scouts, It's a great thing to get you child involved in as it teaches/mentors so many good things.

 

Sphexi

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2005
7,280
0
0
I never made it to Eagle, but I was in from Cub all the way up through Life. Two brothers who made Eagle though, all three of us loved every second of it. I still tie knots every day that I learned in Scouts, I'm still a certified lifeguard, and still have all of my Red Cross certs for CPR/First Aid.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91
Originally posted by: ScottyB
Originally posted by: spidey07
My name is spidey, an eagle scout.

I can honestly say that scouting was one of the best things I ever did with my life and I am thankful that I was a part of it.

This is not a weblog. I only want to express just how GOOD scouting is:

1) I can start a fire anywhere, with just about anything. Yeah, the rumors are true.

I can teach my children this. And do I really want my kids buiding fires everywhere, with anything they find laying around?

2) First Aid - why this isn't taught in schools is beyond my comprehension. Saved two
peoples lives with what I learned from scouting.

Some schools do teach this.

3) Safety - sure playing with dangerous stuff is dangerous but if you learn about it and respect it the danger is minimized.

I can teach my kids this.

4) Drop a good scout out in the middle of nowhere and he'll be just fine, vs. dropping a kid off at a shopping mall. Scout still get's home quicker.

Why are my kids being dropped off in the middle of nowhere?

5) Citizenship - do what is right for your fellow man/women

Such as not allowing homosexuals and athiests to join your organization?

Scouts, It's a great thing to get you child involved in as it teaches/mentors so many good things.
You just don't get it. **Sigh**
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: ScottyB
Originally posted by: spidey07
My name is spidey, an eagle scout.

I can honestly say that scouting was one of the best things I ever did with my life and I am thankful that I was a part of it.

This is not a weblog. I only want to express just how GOOD scouting is:

1) I can start a fire anywhere, with just about anything. Yeah, the rumors are true.

I can teach my children this. And do I really want my kids buiding fires everywhere, with anything they find laying around?

2) First Aid - why this isn't taught in schools is beyond my comprehension. Saved two
peoples lives with what I learned from scouting.

Some schools do teach this.

3) Safety - sure playing with dangerous stuff is dangerous but if you learn about it and respect it the danger is minimized.

I can teach my kids this.

4) Drop a good scout out in the middle of nowhere and he'll be just fine, vs. dropping a kid off at a shopping mall. Scout still get's home quicker.

Why are my kids being dropped off in the middle of nowhere?

5) Citizenship - do what is right for your fellow man/women

Such as not allowing homosexuals and athiests to join your organization?

Scouts, It's a great thing to get you child involved in as it teaches/mentors so many good things.

You could have just said "I don't like the boyscouts because of their stance on atheists and homosexuals" instead of trying to show that the boyscouts are useless (which they are not).
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Interesting. I was in cub scouts when I was a boy... quit attending when I realized that nobody really gave a flying fvck about it. I quit about a year before "everyone else". And by "everyone else", I mean that over 90% of the active cub scouts and boy scouts left the organization within the next year... we all became disgusted with the organization for one reason or another. Yeah, there are definitely benefits to it, such as the points you made in your OP, but there are some pretty crappy things about it too.
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
oh he gets it. the main skill i retain from boyscouts is the ability to tie a real noose. so if theres a lynchin going down i'm invaluable man.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: iamme
interesting. can you talk more about the things you did? at what age did you guys join?

oh boy, where to start....

joined in elementary/middle school around 5/6th grade I think. Could be earlier.

What did we do? We camped, we learned how to make shelter, work with a knife, work with fire, basically how to "take care of others, put a roof over your head, find and cook food, how to navigate, etc, etc, etc." But mainly it was "take care of others by knowing how to take care of yourself"

Here's the full fledged version, look at it, remove relegiion if you will and still get the message.

Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
 

ScottyB

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2002
6,677
1
0
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: ScottyB
Originally posted by: spidey07
My name is spidey, an eagle scout.

I can honestly say that scouting was one of the best things I ever did with my life and I am thankful that I was a part of it.

This is not a weblog. I only want to express just how GOOD scouting is:

1) I can start a fire anywhere, with just about anything. Yeah, the rumors are true.

I can teach my children this. And do I really want my kids buiding fires everywhere, with anything they find laying around?

2) First Aid - why this isn't taught in schools is beyond my comprehension. Saved two
peoples lives with what I learned from scouting.

Some schools do teach this.

3) Safety - sure playing with dangerous stuff is dangerous but if you learn about it and respect it the danger is minimized.

I can teach my kids this.

4) Drop a good scout out in the middle of nowhere and he'll be just fine, vs. dropping a kid off at a shopping mall. Scout still get's home quicker.

Why are my kids being dropped off in the middle of nowhere?

5) Citizenship - do what is right for your fellow man/women

Such as not allowing homosexuals and athiests to join your organization?

Scouts, It's a great thing to get you child involved in as it teaches/mentors so many good things.

You could have just said "I don't like the boyscouts because of their stance on atheists and homosexuals" instead of trying to show that the boyscouts are useless (which they are not).

I'm sorry. They do a wonderful job of selling popcorn. Go Brownshirts!
 

Quasmo

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2004
9,630
1
76
Fellow Eagle here, I really enjoyed the scouts, it definately taught me something I would never dreamed of doing at the age I did. I built an aquaponics lab (Half hydroponics, half aquaculture) as my eagle project, how many people know what the hell that is? I wouldn't if it wasnt for the scouts.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: Sphexi
I never made it to Eagle, but I was in from Cub all the way up through Life. Two brothers who made Eagle though, all three of us loved every second of it. I still tie knots every day that I learned in Scouts, I'm still a certified lifeguard, and still have all of my Red Cross certs for CPR/First Aid.

Congratulations!

Keep up the good work. Weird just how much scouts teaches you isn't it?

See, that's the thing. You can throw a line down to somebody with a bowline already made up and all he has to do is put it around his waist.

Cheers to you!
 

sjvlad

Member
Dec 7, 2005
192
0
0
Eagle Scout as of Jan 5, 2000. Some of my best memories growing up were from Boy Scouts; camping at least once a month, making new friends, learning a lot of things I'd never had experienced otherwise.

I agree that I'm not happy with certain stances they take gays and athiests, but in the 60s they were really struggling, and were propped up by the LDS church. Since then a LOT of Mormons become boy scouts and they exert a lot of influence in it.

I still think it is a fantastic organization, and if I ever have sons, I would definitly encourage them to join.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
Originally posted by: NFS4
You just don't get it. **Sigh**

Then explain it to us, the many of us, who do not "get it".

GeekDrew,

Getting it is about the true meaning of scouts, I appologize for the events of a few bad people that misrepresented what it is about. It is an organization that instills skills and values into people involved in it. My life is truly enrichened by my experience with it. I doubt my or any other parents can ingrain the values that scouts have given me.

What I'm trying to say is that one would be hard pressed to disagree with the teachings of scouting. It's about self reliance, which in today's society should be trumpeted and not discouraged.
 

datalink7

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
16,765
6
81
Originally posted by: spidey07

I doubt my or any other parents can ingrain the values that scouts have given me.

I'm sorry, but you're wrong here. I'm not saying that the scouts weren't benificial to you, but good parents are perfectly able to instill good values in their kids. In fact, a good parent should be able to do it better than any organization. I know my own parents did very well, and I was never in the scouts.