The Benefits Of Scouting

To the Editor:

My eyes swelled with tears last Thursday morning as I listened to the news reports bringing us details of the tragedy at a Boy Scout camp in Iowa. As a mother of both a young Boy Scout and a young Girl Scout, I could feel the pain families must be experiencing when one so young is lost to life or hurt critically. As a Girl Scout leader and the wife of an Eagle Scout and den leader, my grief extended to those responsible for leading and organizing the event. These scouts are our charge.

Yet, while my sight blurred from the swell of tears, my heart grew with pride and respect for an organization that teaches life skills. So many young men were capable of overcoming the shock and fear of the situation to help save their friends. These boys were able to engage themselves in heroic and life-saving action. They were trained, they had learned, and they responded.

In my opinion, many people today discount the benefits of scouting, especially to older boys and girls. Yet, I believe that scouting, for both genders, teaches some of the most valuable life skills one could hope to attain — leadership, service, and preparedness are among the skills to be proud of.

Who wouldn’t be thankful to have a scout nearby should such a tragedy befall us?

My heart goes out to all the families touched by the Iowa tragedy and to the many young men and women in our community who believe in the scouting experience.

Melinda Hazzard

Leader, Troop 50837

32 Marlin Road, Sandy Hook                                          June 17, 2008