Or a news reporter stating, “National government and business leaders compete to see which group is more able to help other people at all times, while keeping themselves physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”?The truth is, if those candidates or leaders were former Boy Scouts still living the Scout Law, we’d read or hear those stories every day.?The Boy Scouts of America reaches a significant milestone this week: 100 years of producing young men who know how to tie knots, build a place to sleep in the woods with sticks, sink a canoe and live to tell about it, and start a fire, even when you don’t want them to. They also believe in developing — and living — all those qualities stated above. Less than a year ago, the 2 millionth Scout joined the program. That’s two million young men signing up to do things that get them off their seats and out the door where they learn how to serve their communities, their nation, and their world. It’s a tough, hands-on experience that involves planning, work, and tons of energy. And still they keep joining. The program must be doing something right.?The results verify that. This week’s news includes a story about Scout troops across the nation collecting money to buy tents and sleeping bags for the survivors of the Haitian earthquake. The article went on to say that Scouts actually living in Haiti were assisting in rescue and clean up efforts. Imagine the impact of dozens of young men pitching in to help restore what’s been damaged and lost. That has to be uplifting for the adults facing such a massive task. ?In other news, Scouts are planting trees, constructing playgrounds, cleaning up riverbanks, exercising dogs at an animal shelter, and collecting sleeping nets to send to African countries where malaria threatens. Add Eagle Scout projects to that and the world really does become a better place, filled with young men who go on to become Olympians, surgeons, Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, civil rights leaders, government leaders, even presidents. Not bad for an organization that encourages young men to wear their merit badges right on their chests where they are constantly reminded of the good they do, and the things they have yet to do.?My admiration of the Scouting program is grounded in personal experience. All the significant men in my life — my husband, son, father, brothers, good friends, boss — are Scouts. Some of them are Eagle Scouts and some are currently involved in helping young men through the Scouting experience. And all of them are great people.?I grew up in a house of Scouting. My three brothers all became Eagle Scouts, probably because my dad was a Scoutmaster for most of my teenage years. So I had a front row seat to watch my male peers grow from awkward, childish boys into young men better than themselves. It was a worthy transformation.?It makes sense to invest in Scouting today. No other organization out there is turning out this kind of great leadership. And in case you’re wondering, we need some great leadership. The kind that knows how to “Be Prepared.”?Happy Birthday, Scouts. Now, see if you can light all 100 of t

hose candles with one match.?

You can contact D. Louise Brown at maven_55@yahoo.com or leave a message at (801) 625-4244.