Brian was an avid Boy Scout, collecting merit badges, retelling the stories from years of campouts, even begging his mom to let him work at some camp in California, shocked she wouldn’t let him at 13. The space Boy Scouts provided allowed for those cherished moments of independence all kids crave. He felt empowered knowing he could survive not just his home life, but the wild mountains he wanted so badly to run through.

It should come as no surprise his excitement for Scouting continued into adulthood, now raising two dedicated Boy Scouts himself. When my teenage sons were small, I was the center of the world. They went shopping with me, visited museums, made candles and took on the hobbies I liked. Now it’s a party of three, all my boys heading off to their weekly Scouting meeting in Plain City. Missing parent teacher conference? No hesitation. Missing Scouts? No way.

When we were first married, pinching pennies to afford anything, he’d run to the checkbook to donate to the Boy Scouts when they knocked on our door. Brian’s loyalty to the Boy Scouts of America, now Scouting America, never wavered. He still proudly says the Oath and Law, knowing it’s a key reason why he is the good person he is today. He was lucky to have moral, honest leaders in Layton. He still remembers them fondly.

The Boy Scouts aren’t just merit badges and comradery for everyone. To many, it was not a safe space, and the bravery of those who came forward to shine a light on the sex abuse made the organization better for my children. Because of their actions, many changes and safeguards were implemented to protect future generations from systemic abuse. I’m grateful for the troop leaders in our area who follow stringent guidelines to make the Boy Scouts the experience it is supposed to be.

This past summer Brian, along with several leaders, parents and Scouts traversed the ranges of Philmont, New Mexico. The man who came home was reinvigorated, reminded he can do hard things despite his knees popping and needing a heating pad. My son was a new man, gaining insight on himself, his father and their relationship. Only an organization that is 115 years old, spending decades bettering, learning and understanding how youth development works, can give that experience.

Pete Hegseth, who was never a Boy Scout, but has faced accusations of alcohol abuse and domestic violence, is pushing for the military to sever ties with the BSA, according to several sources. He claims this long-standing organization is no longer based on merit and attacks “boy-friendly” spaces. Those who support this asinine line of thinking probably haven’t been involved with the BSA in decades.

I’ve personally witnessed dozens of boys serve their communities in Farr West, Plain City, West Weber and North Ogden, spending hours digging, building, painting and honoring the flag and our veterans. Each Tuesday in Plain City, you’ll find boys learning how to cook, make fire, administer first aid or working on one of the 141 merit badges. Our troop even has a young man who’s earned all 141 badges, plus his Eagle. That’s 23 Eagle since the troop started in 2019.

Founded by President Theodore Roosevelt, the military has supported the BSA, providing medical and logistical aid for the National Jamboree. It’s disappointing the U.S. government is threatening to turn their backs on an organization that teaches kids to be: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Twelve characteristics our country needs more than ever, whether you’re male or female.

In response to the reports Hegseth plans to target Scouting America they responded with, “Scouting is and has always been a nonpartisan organization. Over more than a century, we’ve worked constructively with every U.S. presidential administration — Democratic and Republican — focusing on our common goal of building future leaders grounded in integrity, responsibility, and community service.”

Troops and Packs across the country took it on the chin when the LDS Church withdrew its support. Parents who grew up Scouting know how important these lessons are, so now they pay out of pocket. This spring, fundraising will begin with these young men, dressed and pressed in their uniforms, asking you to buy jerky. They could be out racing their Hondas on your street, carving initials into the skate park or maybe vaping in the Smith’s parking lot. Instead, they’re taking part in a youth organization focused on improving the community. Last spring they helped the Ogden Nature Center build a new stage. Soon they’ll be out placing wreathes on the graves of our fallen soldiers. Ironic, huh, Pete.

Wake up and start supporting the groups that make kids into the type of people you want as neighbors. Stop fussing about whether something is “woke” or “conservative,” whether one party supports it, or whether girls are allowed. Realize you want kids to be part of something good, something that connects them to the place they live. When that happens, they’ll take care of it and teach their children to do the same.

In two summers, my husband is off to climb Mount Baldy with our two sons and a legion of other Boy Scout supporters. If they come home, it will be knowing they can do hard things and it was the BSA that help show the way.