Scouting’s Place in the Big Game This Sunday

Okay, so the Steelers didn’t make it to the Big Game this year. I can live with that. There are still plenty of reasons to look forward to this Sunday. Among them are a couple ties to Scouting.

First, Denver’s center, Matt Paradis, is an Eagle Scout. It’s always great to see our Eagle Scouts doing outstanding things on a big stage. Our organization works hard to prepare individuals to be the best they can be, whatever dream they choose to pursue. This weekend, Matt has an opportunity to see his dream come true, and I wish him all the best.

Second, Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers and the site of this year’s contest between the Broncos and Panthers, houses an amazing STEM education enter with interactive galleries and dedicated learning spaces where 60,000 students a year are able to take in some fascinating science, technology, engineering and math lessons.

In the 49ers’ high-tech classrooms, Scouting-age kids — mostly 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders — can learn about a range of topics, including the physics involved in last year’s “Deflategate” controversy, the leading-edge sustainable design of the stadium and more.

STEM education has a place close to my heart. We have invested significant resources in our STEM Scouts program to help boys and girls be creative, develop leadership skills and pave the way for their future careers. Just as with Matt Paradis, it’s gratifying to see something we are so passionate about as a movement have a moment in the spotlight.

For me, it means Scouting is relevant as it’s ever been and we’re getting it right.

So keep this story in mind as you catch the kickoff Sunday. Me … I’ll be watching the game here in Dallas with a number of our National Board of Directors members arriving for our meetings starting Monday. And while I don’t have a huge favorite, I have family in the Carolinas. So the part of me that isn’t rooting for Matt Paradis will be pulling for the Panthers.

Enjoy the game!

Mike