I am pretty new to Scouting; my son joined Pack 3269 in spring 2021.   While he gets excited about the activities and adventures, I've come to appreciate the values, responsibility, and independence the Scouts instill.

Sure, there is hiking and camping, however, its not all about outdoors.  He learned about bouyancy and hydrodynamics when building boats for the Raingutter Regatta as well as circuitry when building toothbrush head battle bots. He learned about people who are differently-abled and that not all disabilties are visible.  He saw the smiles on the faces of residents at Anna Maria when they delivered the hand-made Valentines Day cards (90 total) and learned the importance of service to others.  At campouts, the Scouts have jobs and are expected to perform them on their own (I had to be reminded not to help clean his plate).

Fast forward a few months: I am now the Wolf/Tiger Den Leader of Pack 3269.

The Scouts serve a unique role in developing character and I'm going over the edge to help insure future kids get the same opporuntity.