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What Scouting Means
to Me
Scouting
has been a long time activity in my family. My Father helped begin a Troop in
Liberty, Texas, many years ago. My two older brothers participated. My Mother
was my Den Mother when I was young. Some of my best memories as a youth are
centered on the camping trips to Camp Urland near Woodville as a Boy Scout.
I read the scouting books of today and reflect on the changes that have come
about in the past 35 years since I last wore the Blue & Gold. The Wolf
and Bear books remind boys about Stranger Danger, Computers, and Emergency
Planning.
Some things will never change: knots, Indian Lore, and First Aid.
Still there is one aspect of Scouting that makes it all worthwhile. The bond
created between a boy and his parent. In a nation where only 23% of all
parents ever read to their children, Scouting forces a parent to become
involved in the development and maturing of their son.
I mentioned the old Scout books, I remember one of the achievements was
learning to tie a tie. As if were yesterday, I see my Dad standing behind me
looking into the full length mirror of his bedroom closet, showing me the
twist and turns of making the perfect tie knot.
Of course, my hands fumbled and slipped causing my tie to look deformed. Dad
could only tie from behind, he could not manage it looking at me, it had to
be as if he were tying his own.
After six or seven attempts, I finally got that knot somewhat correct and Dad
put his big paws on my shoulders, gave them a slight shake and congratulated
me on my accomplishment. Now Dad was not a big hugger, so this show of
affection was high praise.
Looking back now, what a perfect right of passage into Manhood. A Father
teaching his son how to put on a tie. A tie that symbolizes being grown up
and becoming a man.
So, now 35 years later, my son and I go camping, fish, read, and do Scouting
activities that hopefully he will look back on in 35 years and remember his
Dad helped him become a man of good moral character.
If you haven't done it yet, go home and teach your son how to put on a tie.
Prentice Mearns
Asst. Scoutmaster, Troop 742
Brenham, TX
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