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Boy Scouts Instill Values For A Lifetime

Sheryl Young/Tribune Photo

Some of Eagle Scout Kyle Byrne's badges are shown here. At upper left is a Catholic affiliation activity badge. In the center is one showing he took religious classes. This one has the Boy Scouts of America motto "Be Prepared" and a BSA medal on it. At right is a United Methodist badge. In the center is the red and white circular Eagle badge. Below the pocket is the Cub Scouts Arrow of Light badge. Though Bryne's badges represent Catholic and Protestant faiths, Scouting is open to people of many faiths, including Jews and Muslems.

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By SHERYL YOUNG

Tribune correspondent

Published: April 8, 2008

Updated: 04/08/2008 11:43 am

KEYSTONE - Boy Scout training isn't just for kids. Adults can have fun, too, and might be surprised at how much they learn.

Twice a year, the Boy Scouts of America's Gulf Ridge Council hosts training for leadership veterans, new volunteers and parents interested in helping.

Mark Kriz, who has been involved in Scouting all his life, organizes camping outings for Scouts in this area.

"For troop leaders, there is mandatory training every two years, as a refresher course or to learn innovative things along with new volunteers," Kriz said. "They're taught everything needed to help the Scouts, just as if they were Scouts themselves."

This spring's hands-on Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills was held recently at Camp Brorein off of Race Track and Boy Scout roads. The camp, nearly 86 years old, is one of the oldest Scout camps in the nation. It opened when Boy Scouts of America was only 12 years old.

The Gulf Ridge Council, serving West-Central Florida, is based in Tampa and encompasses eight counties, with west Hillsborough County being in the Tocobaga District.

The weekend included training in wood tools, building fires, first aid, setting up camp, hiking and outdoor cooking. The main thrust of the outdoor activities is sportsmanship, fitness and adventure, but the knowledge also could benefit Floridians in hurricane season; volunteering with the Scouts could get you free lessons in disaster survival without electricity.

Also included were sessions on Scouting's organizational aspects and how to appeal to today's boys.

"Programs must focus on what kids enjoy doing," said David Lowery, Tocobaga chairman. "Do that, and they'll stay in Scouting. Bring it up to speed."

LuAnn Wilkins, a member of the Tocabaga training staff, was on the weekend's cooking team.

"My son is 25 now, but I won't get out of Scouting because of the value I've seen it add to a boy's life," she said. "This is a passion for most people involved."

The Scout Law teaches boys to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Weekend attendees said Scouting also builds teamwork, integrity, resourcefulness, patriotism, high moral character and self-esteem.

In recent years, this has made Scouting more popular among single moms looking for role models for their boys. Single fathers' involvement also is increasing.

"In my own troop, a boy living with his grandparents joined because he was looking for companions and role models," Kriz said. "The situation turned out very well."

Charles Pritchard, a Gulf Ridge trainer, didn't have an opportunity to join the Boy Scouts as a child. He followed when his son became interested and now is a troop leader.

"I've now been volunteering for 10 years," Pritchard said. "If I can keep one kid on track with values and patriotism, it's worth it."

Scouting can take as much family time as being soccer moms and dads.

"It ends up becoming a family deal," Pritchard said. "If it's important to you, you do it - you make choices and sacrifices for your bottom line."

In contrast to Pritchard, Greg Hatch has about one month in Scouting.

"This is my first training, and there's a lot to absorb," he said. "My 7-year-old is in Tiger Cubs. I spent time in the woods as a kid and wanted to expose my 'city son' to more outdoor options."

Hatch's troop is in the Westchase area.

Jim King, a South Tampa dad, sees many benefits in the Scouts.

"This program benefits any child," King said. "They may not be a star in sports but can come into Scouts and excel in many areas - practical skills, coordination and agility."

Annette Montford, a long-time volunteer, attended the training session for a refresher.

"I have two boys involved now, and my older son already went through. He's in the Army and believes his Scout training helped him get a position in military intelligence," she said.

Cub Scouts (ages 7-10) graduate into Boy Scouts (ages 11-17), where it becomes boy-led with adult supervision. Everything must be initiated by the boys, from activity ideas to budgeting. After 18, a Scout may stay in Venturing through age 20. There also is an advance adult leadership program called Wood Badge, which started in England more than 100 years ago.

A Boy Scout can hope to achieve the level of Eagle Scout, like Kyle Byrne, a junior at Alonso High School who is interested in a Coast Guard or aeronautical career. Scouting since first grade, he earned his Eagle Scout rank - a feat only about 4 percent to 5 percent of Scouts achieve - at age 15. He is a member of Troop 315 in Town 'N Country.

"Scout discipline has helped me with time management, follow-through and problem-solving," Byrne said. "Sometimes friends ask me how to do things because I've been through the training. And it affords you lots of opportunities later."

COMING UP NEXT

There will be a "Mom and Me Weekend" at Camp Brorein for Cub Scouts from Friday through Sunday. It will have a global theme, with booths decorated to represent different countries. For information, call (813) 872-2691.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Full outfitting costs about $100 per year. Some units pay annually, some monthly. Dues are low. If cost is an obstacle, the Gulf Ridge Council has a scholarship program available for children and adults. Call Gulf Ridge Council at (813) 872-2691 or go to www.boyscouting.com/index.php.

THE BOY SCOUT OATH

"On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."

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