Eagle Scout, however great it might look on a college resume, can seem like a small reward a long way off when one is faced with membership in an organization that has for some time been considered a refuge for hicks, losers and mammas' boys who live to either shoot small animals, make knots with rope or help old people across the street. Scouting has recently come under heavy criticism for its anti-gay policy by many of those who previously viewed it as a good organization. So now those hicks, losers and mammas' boys are bigots as well. While I make no attempt to hide my strong disagreement with this policy, I hope the reader does not judge all Boy Scouts by it. Truth is, there is more to the Boy Scouts than one anachronistic, faulty policy that I personally think will have to come to an end soon if we ever expect to get public support again.
Most people have at some time in their lives probably heard of all of the benefits of Scouting.
The development of leadership and outdoor skills and teamwork remains. However, the ability to tie a bowline around your waist with one hand or make a solar still does not help you on your Algebra test, so most kids don't see the value in it. Leadership and teamwork are good in any situation but are not always obvious traits as they appear in everyday life. After all, it is those who have poor teamwork skills who are most noticeable in any situation. Most kids who are in Boy Scouts are at least moderate outdoor enthusiasts.