Daisy Scout alum here. Former scout. But also a dropout.
I did not enjoy scouting. I did not like camping in a tent. It was hot. There were mosquitoes. I wanted my Mama.
So when my kiddos wanted to sign up for scouts, I begrudgingly said “Sure.”
My daughter and I have had fun experiences with our not-too-active troop, which has been a great way to ease myself back into scouting. We have a great group of mothers who have realistic expectations of what these kiddos and mamas can handle.
My husband has many fond memories of scouting as a child, and so he was over the moon when our son said he wanted to join. And honestly, it has been transformative.
Our son loves LOVES scouting. He loves getting boy time (something he gets very little of with three sisters at home). He loves getting dirty. He loves camping out. He loves archery, and boating, and hiking, and is anxiously anticipating his pocketknife badge. He is an outdoorsman and enjoys all the time spent outside on campouts. And it’s the first thing he has ever really approached with enthusiasm.
Which is super great, because the values and skills associated with scouting are ones we want to instill in all our children, not just our son. “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” We are working on the “clean” portion, but already we see our son trying to be more of all those other things.
While I was hesitant to begin our scouting journey as a family, I am so glad we said yes.
