Letter to the editor: Scouting experience teaches young people life lessons

In today’s busy world kids and teenagers must grow up quickly. Often many parents rely on technology, and television for teaching new things. Kids and teens just don’t get out of the house as much as they use to, to learn things and problem solve.

Part of this problem is society has changed. Kids/teens/parents have to be more creative in learning life skills. Everyone’s schedules are so busy that it’s hard to find time and a place to learn about life.

I started my scouting career in first grade. Ever since that day I have learned skills that most people don’t know and have been able to camp in Minnesota or Wisconsin every other month of the year. Scouting has taught me many new skills and values that most people don’t have. For example, being prepared, talking in front of large groups of people, leadership skills and knowing what to do in an emergency. These are just a few of the many life skills I have learned while being involved in scouts.

For others that are reading this and are thinking about joining scouts you need to know that anyone under age 18 can join. If an older teenager wishes to join Boy Scouts you are able to with no prior Cub Scout experience.

I encourage parents to talk to their kids about joining scouts. Scouts offer me a place to meet up with friends, explore our community and state, and learn lessons that I can apply to my life.

James VandenBergh - Woodbury

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