In Praise of Scouting

Many of the best experiences of my young life–and the wisdom and values that accompanied them–came from Scouting. I am here to talk about that, not the abuse scandals that rocked the organization years later.

Our local Scout troop, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church, was a major force in our family’s lives. My father was a Cub Scout pack leader, and my mother was a Den Mother. Later, my father served as the leader of the Explorer Post. My two brothers and I were Eagle Scouts and received the God in Country Award.

Neater than usual.

We learned leadership skills, the value of civic duty, and–through the merit badge program–practical skills that would serve us throughout our lives. The primary focus was camping in north Florida’s thousands of acres of national and state forests. We went on an average of one camping trip per month. Long before the “Survivor” TV program, we learned how to make fire, build shelters, and create campsite equipment such as tables and cooking racks. Naturally, we learned fire safety!

The work of setting up and maintaining a campsite–usually one for each patrol–occupied a lot of time. We also went on hikes and visited nearby swimming holes. There was always a lot of great conversation (and ghost stories) going on around the fire after dark. Many ghost stories had to do with strange happenings around campsites or on hikes in the scrub oak and saw palmetto world where we were.

I cannot imagine growing up without these experiences, especially how to survive in the forest many miles from home or help.

Malcolm

My Vietnam War novel “At Sea” is free on Kindle today through October 29.