Introduction

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is a prestigious organization that shapes young men and women into responsible and capable citizens. However, the journey is not always smooth sailing. Here, we share stories that highlight both thrilling achievements and challenging experiences within the scout community.

My Recollection: A Wild Child in the BSA

My story is a blend of triumphs and mishaps. Despite being kicked out for swearing, I still hold the Boy Scouts close to my heart as a source of invaluable lessons and experiences.

They say that it was not a high point of my life, and it was indeed. I was a swearer beyond compare, not just a regular cuss, but an outright sailor who cursed like one. I was a wild child in the inner city troop, and if it wasn’t for the BSA, I wouldn’t have known the joy and discipline of camping. Often, camping meant putting a blanket over chairs in the kitchen rather than a night under the stars.

I rarely talk about this, but after being asked to leave the troop, I ended up sledding down a hill behind our tenement building. As the wild child that I was, I nearly hurt myself badly. I cut my wrist, which led to an unexpectedly positive outcome. Despite the event that led to my expulsion, it saved my life. BSA training and what I learned back then truly made a difference.

The Accidents and Adventures

The day I first cursed Swearing and was kicked out, it was not a pretty scene. We were sledding down a hill by the tenement, and due to my unruly nature, I ended up cutting my wrist. My mother reacted with horror, but in that moment, I thought back to my BSA training. I knew how to tie a tourniquet, and I guided my friend to use it effectively. My mom got there just as I passed out, and the EMT’s smile told me that I had saved my own life that day.

These experiences reinforce the importance of following rules and respecting authority. When my older son, David, joined the BSA, he was in sixth grade. His first leader was laid-back but wanted to step down. David had behavior problems and was ADHD and oppositional defiant, making him a challenging fit for the group. The scenario repeated with a new, strict leader, who did not tolerate any back talk.

Discipline in the Scout Troop

David was suspended for a few months for cussing out the leader and throwing something at him. I agreed to the terms, and David did as well, promising to come back, knowing the leader was the same person. His younger brother, meanwhile, was bridging up, and David was excited to see him. However, David’s behavior didn’t improve; he even became mean to the younger scouts. We, as his parents, and the scouting committee, after much discussion, decided to remove David from the troop. Refusing to transfer, he was out of the troop.

Discipline and adherence to rules, no matter who you are, are crucial in the BSA. While it’s a challenging environment, it undoubtedly teaches valuable lessons. If your kid has a chance to learn from scouting, push them through the door and encourage their involvement. It might just save a life.

As a Merit Badge Counselor and current Advancement Chair, I know the difficulty and the growth that comes from the challenges faced in scouting. So, if your child has the opportunity, give them that chance—it might be a turning point for them.

Conclusion

The Boy Scouts of America is a journey full of ups and downs. Both stories highlight the importance of discipline, honesty, and self-rescue in challenging times. If your kid is given the chance, embrace it heartily.