When Parents Get Their Hands Dirty

One thing we have learned in Scouting is that parents often find the Scouting experience just as rewarding as their sons or the other Scouts they serve as leaders do. Parental involvement keeps our volunteer base strong and provides a consistent stream of quality leaders to make sure our Scouts receive the best possible training and chances for new adventures.

Here’s a great example of the impact one parent can make by coming off the sidelines and embracing the values and opportunities Scouting has to offer. Rick Strom was recently profiled in his local paper for providing 25 years of service as a Scout leader in his community of Hoquiam, WA.

Rick Strom, Troop 100, Hoquiam, WA // Photo courtesy of Grays Harbor Talk

Rick earned his Eagle Scout award 38 years ago and has been happy to see many of the Scouts he’s mentored over the years also earn the Eagle rank, including six in the past year. Below is an excerpt from the article in the Grays Harbor Talk newspaper that gives you an idea of just how far-reaching Rick’s mentoring is in his community.

“Coach Rick,” as he is often called, doesn’t limit his activity to leading Boy Scouts. A coach of numerous sports in Grays Harbor County, he is currently coaching two teams in Harbor Youth Soccer. His constant encouragement for his Troops to stay active is what he believes helps his Eagle Scouts stay motivated. Perhaps this attribute lends itself to the success of many of his Scouts – after all, several have been in the top 10 Eagle Scouts of the year for their Washington District.

Rick is excited to see that nearly every one of his boys has enthusiasm for helping out the younger generation of Scouts. Having had such positive experiences themselves, they are excited to give back and ensure amazing first years for the upcoming sets of Cub Scouts.

Rick explains that much of the time, he isn’t around so much to lead his Scouts as he is to supervise. Developing leadership skills have changed little boys who liked to throw tantrums into young adults who are kind-hearted and unafraid of taking charge.

One of Rick’s proudest moments was seeing a Scout, who has grown up with Autism, help lead a group of Cubs on a hike, take care of their scrapes and bruises, and then decide he would achieve his Eagle Badge. Whether or not Rick’s Scouts have pre-existing challenges, each one has had to work hard and unceasingly to reach the goals they set for themselves.

There are many great stories like this that demonstrate how parents can truly provide life-changing experiences for the young people who yearn for their leadership. I want to congratulate Rick Strom and the thousands of leaders like him across the country who “stepped off the sidelines” and are making a valuable contribution to the future of America’s youth.

Parents who can help drive Scouts to campouts or other activities, help organize banquets or award ceremonies, or be available to help run a pack or troop meeting, are all welcome to provide whatever time they can. And that time spent side by side fostering your children’s growth through Scouting is time well-spent – both for you AND for your family.

How do you motivate adults you work with to help step in and volunteer their time for their children or other young people you work with? Let us know what works best for you!

Thanks!

Wayne