So your Son Wants to be a Boyscout

When the time comes and your son brings the membership application home you will have one of two immediate reactions. If your only experience with Boy Scouting as a child was the Charlie Brown commercials on TV or the candy bars and popcorn your buddies sold your first thought will be of terror. If you spent your childhood hiking, biking, and having fun with your fellow Boy Scouts then you will be glad the time has come to don the khaki and olive uniform once again.

Whether you are nervous or happy with excitement you will soon realize that your son is growing up and this is a great way to share in his life while he grows and learns the values at the core of the Scouting organization; learning to make ethical and moral choices based on the Scout Oath and Law. The lessons your son will learn at meetings, hikes, or camping trips will stick with him throughout his life. On the surface he will be learning to build fires in the rain, but inside he learns persistence, patience, and creative thinking. You watch your boy struggle to climb the ropes of the COPE course and then you beam with pride as you watch him get pats on the back from his fellow Scouts when he completes the course. The day comes when you can stand beside him as he receives his Eagle Scout and you think to yourself how fast the time has passed and your little boy has grown into a young man with the tools and skills needed to be a success.

The path from the day you sign the application to the day you proudly watch your child achieve his dreams is a long and twisting one. At times the trail will be wide and smooth while at other times you will be clinging by your fingertips to the rock face above you. With the right tools and equipment both of you will make the trip in one piece and be glad you were on the trail together. The philosophy of Scouting provides the moral tools you need. Your local outfitter will provide the tangible items to make the trip more comfortable.

The variety of outdoor adventure equipment is as varied as the people that utilize it. The equipment can range from a simple canvas backpack to modular items that when connected together make a more comfortable living environment than your own house. One common item needed is a sleeping bag. Depending year round climate of the area you live in, you will either need one mid-range sleeping bag or a winter and summer bag to keep yourself comfy and ensure you get a good night’s rest to be ready to tackle the next day. Once you have selected your sleeping bag, you will need a place to rest your head. There is a variety of sleeping mats to make the cold earth comfortable. Of course you will want a roof over your head. Some people prefer the natural canopy of trees and stars while others will require a bit more of a barrier between them and the outside. The right tent can make the difference between a cold and soggy night and a comfortable refuge from all that nature has to offer. Cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene are also very important. The local camping store will become one of your favorite stops for you and your son.

The journey from baby to adult is a long trip, yet at times it seems to pass so fast. The Boy Scouts can help create some great memories for both of you to hold and cherish. The organization provides the backbone while you provide the muscle and legwork to get both you and your son down the trail of life.