President Barack Obama, director Steven Spielberg, baseball great Hank Aaron, businessman J.Willard Marriott, musician Branford Marsalis and “Star Trek” actor George Takei couldn’t be more different from each other than the sun and the moon.
What they have in common, however, is the fact they are among millions who grew up as Boy Scouts. For generations, notable men have used the values and skills they learned as scouts on their journey to success.
“There’s plenty of compelling evidence that children who are in scouting are more self reliant, more likely to have lives with strong values, good families and good incomes, and more likely to serve their community,” said Scott Clabaugh, scout executive for the Crossroads of America Council, which oversees Boy Scouts programs in Central Indiana.
According to Clabaugh, there are nearly 35,000 scouts in Central Indiana, most of which are part of the more than 700 troops in the Indianapolis area.
“Seventy percent of our troops are in churches, and the rest are in schools, and with civic groups, fraternal organizations and companies,” he said.
Last year, which marked the centennial of the Boy Scouts, local participation increased in the organization, and for good reason, said Sam Odle, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Indiana University Health.
“Boys Scouts offers a values based experience, positive adult mentoring and the opportunity to develop leadership skills that last a lifetime,” Odle said. “The grace of God, a caring family and scouting got me to where I am today.”
Boy Scouts offers programs for boys 11 through 17 designed to achieve the aims of scouting through outdoor programs, peer group exercises and leadership activities under the counsel of adult Scoutmasters.
Scouts learn self-confidence by overcoming a series of surmountable obstacles that allow them to advance to a higher rank. The scout himself plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace. He is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence, develop positive attributes and learn how to help others.
Clabaugh said, “Where else can you go out safely in the woods and enjoy things like camping, building Pinewood Derby towers, canoeing and kayaking? Boy Scouts offers all those fun activities that kids relish.”
During their last year in high school, Scouts can participate in a program called Explore, which offers an opportunity for students to explore career options through internship programs at places in different fields.
Marsha Bennett, best known for her 26 years with Indiana Black Expo, has fond memories of the fun she and her brothers had with the Boys and Girls Scouts. That is why she is currently a supporter of Troop 123, which is based at Sanders Temple Church of God in Christ on the city’s Eastside.
“The Boy and Girl Scouts have good activities that enhance children and remind them that they can achieve their goals,” Bennett said. “If we create programs that empower kids and encourage them to be confident, well-rounded citizens, we can keep them off the streets and show them what the good part of life is all about,” she said.
Bob Treadwell, membership coordinator for the Crossroad’s Council, said scouting is also rewarding for adult volunteers who see scouts perform better in school and become successful adults.
“I remember us having a scout who some thought was very difficult to deal with and troublesome,” Treadwell said. “When I ran into him years later, he had become an attorney and told me that had it not been for the Boy Scouts, he would not be where he is. That was very heart warming.”
Parents are reminded that the Boy Scouts offers their children an affordable option for positive activities.
“The costs are minimal, and even with those we have generous donors who can underwrite the expense of a camp, uniform or scout handbook,” Clabaugh said. “We want to be sure every kid can join.”
For more information about the Boy Scouts call (317) 925-1900 or log on to www.crossroadsbsa.org.
