It seemed like many people thought my dad gave me merit badges and ranks. You see, my father was my Scout Master for most of the time I was in scouts (up until I received my Eagle Scout). In all honesty, I must laugh with bitterness at these persons. My father was very exacting of myself and my brother in all things. If anything, having him as a Scout Master made things very difficult for us. One must remember though, a butterfly will die if it is assisted in escaping the cocoon. My dad did us a favor, though it may have been painful to live and is, at times, painful to remember.

There have been few things in my life that have prepared me as well as the path to Eagle Scout did. I do not see how anything could have. Yes, there were merit badges I took the alternative route with. One of these was Personal Fitness. At that time I could not meet the requirements (see the Just Me page for an understanding). I just couldn't do the pull-ups, push-ups and distance running in numbers or time that was required. I was in decent shape. I have always been a good sprinter. I just couldn't do those. (Since that time the requirements have been altered to really be about fitness instead of meeting some number someone came up with, which is good since swimming is no longer an alternative, neither is sports. Both of which I did.)

It is the persistence that I learned that allowed me to see through starting my own business and writing the software for it. It was the ability to communicate and deal with people that I learned, especially with my Eagle Project, that allowed me to do all that I need(ed) with my business. It is the patience that I am still learning, that started with the path to Eagle, that allows me to continue to work at it, even though I am not getting quite the results I want. It is the hope I learned that allows me to live every day.

I will call into question the intelligence or honesty of any who say there are many other ways to become a man besides the path to Eagle Scout. I would question the sanity of anyone who says there are better ways. I strongly recommend this program to young men and to their parents. This program, with the work of the boy and the support and help of the parents, will instill good habits, a love of fellow man, morality and many other good characteristics in the boy. Help all young men on this path, please.

The idea behind scouting is to take a boy first to being a young man. Ultimately the goal is for the boy to be a man. This in no way means scouting, or life, should be devoid of fun and recreation. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Scouting involves many games and other fun activities. Life should be the same way. Things can be made fun, usually. Most things should not be made fun of. There is a distinction, knowing these is one of the differences between a man and a boy; doing them is another. Experience and hard work (and the willingness to work hard in the future) are the few remaining differences between a man and a boy.

The path from the middle of the nest to flight requires many steps. Some of the first of these is learning about being a citizen and helping others. Service is one of the main keys to scouting. Other steps include basic outdoor knowledge, practical knots, basic cooking skills, and basic first aide. Many would think this would be the path to Eagle. It is only the path to First Class. The path to Eagle includes many other things. They include basic fitness, health, finance and the ability to cope and lead in emergency situations. The path to Eagle is rewarding in itself, but there are a grand multitude of rewards that will only be noticeable to those who really dissect the program..., or more importantly, to the young men who will be our future leaders.

If you are tired of the state of this country and world, support your local Boy Scout Troop, starting immediately. Instilling values and ability into the leaders of tomorrow is a way to change the world today. Remember, change happens from the inside out. If you are afraid of what your son is becoming, please enroll him in Scouts. Love him. Teach him. Encourage him. Hold him accountable.

Above are links to the better sites I have found. As I find more, I will try to keep updating that list. I also plan on having a site, in the near future, where leaders, boys, parents and community members can come to share ideas on Scouting, implementing the program, working with the boys and generally how to make this the best program possible. This site may or may not end up being part of this site, but I will make sure to have a link to it. Remember, Scouting is a major part of this world's future.