We had buckets full of challenges and adventure. We learned how to take care of ourselves. We learned about the importance of taking care of others, especially those less fortunate. We rejoiced in the camaraderie of our patrol members and the importance of inclusion. We interacted with adult mentors (Scoutmasters, merit badge counselors, camp rangers) on a regular basis. We learned first-hand the wonders of nature and our responsibility to preserve those wonders for future generations. We learned to explore and to be creative problem solvers. We learned to follow and we learned to lead. I know this process of self-discovery, though it is not the exclusive domain of Scouting, made me a more conscientious student in the classroom.

The bedrock of the Boy Scout program has not changed in over 100 years. Its focus on values, character and leadership, and the equally important goal of establishing a pattern of accomplishment for kids, remain key elements of the scouting program.

That pattern starts with baby steps as a Tenderfoot Scout and proceeds up ever more challenging terrain all the way to the summit of Eagle Scout. If we could get every kid to accomplish this, we just might eliminate many of society's ailments. We would see juvenile crime rates plummet. We would see high school graduation rates soar. We would see and benefit from the heightened self-esteem, self-confidence, and leadership qualities these kids would possess.

I have arrived at the conclusion that the $120 per year per kid spent in Scouting to build character, establish a value system, and develop leadership skills is a far better investment than the $40,000 it costs taxpayers to keep one inmate in prison for a year. Even more sobering is the fact that if you count the people on probation and parole, there are more people in the penal system than there are pursuing baccalaureate degrees in our nation's public universities! It makes me wonder which would we rather have shaping our future.