Looking at Scouting Through Two Pairs of Eyes

I just read the story appearing in the latest issue of Esquire magazine featuring our National President Robert Gates, headlined:  Are There Still Boy Scouts?

His current leadership role in Scouting aside, what a fascinating article!

I enjoyed reading about his memories of his father, Mel Gates.  Mel’s fatherly advice was priceless (I’ll let you find out by reading the article.)  He was “gruff in public, but affectionate at home.”

His father had a strong influence on Robert Gates’ decision to join Scouting.

The Gates article also tells a great story about how he applies what he learned in Scouting (saying his only formal management course he took was at Philmont Scout Ranch as a teen) to his everyday life.  A quote that jumped out at me:  “In my whole life, I’ve never forgotten those lessons.”

I think you’ll also enjoy the sidebar profile in the Esquire article of Romualdo Vasquez Pena III – or “Romy” – a Scoutmaster in Los Angeles.  The article traces his path to America from his birth in Tijuana, Mexico.  In contrast to the affectionate nature of Mel Gates, Romy had a “strong and unwavering” father who stressed the importance of education.

To Romy’s surprise, his father did favor the boy’s decision to join the Boy Scouts. As a result, Romy has mentored hundreds of boys and young men since becoming a Scoutmaster 20 years ago.

Romy shared an equally important message about the positive impact of Scouting: “Somehow, your son can have a future – Scouting is going to open things up. The opportunity is there, it just has to be taken, and you have to give it a chance…”

It was fascinating to read the Scouting observations of both of these leaders – each great in their own way. Whether it was serving the nation or a neighborhood in South Central L.A., both have learned and shared a great deal through their Scouting experiences, and as a result, hundreds of young men have come out winners.

I encourage you to read this wonderful article in Esquire and think about the diversity of leadership in how you serve America’s young people, whether you are in Scouting or not.  Have you witnessed the same leadership qualities emerge from people with totally different backgrounds?  Share your stories in the comments below.

Thanks!

Wayne