Practicing the Scout Law in Manchester, NH
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 8:41AM Across the country this year, scouts past and present will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
After being in existence nationally for a mere two years, Scouting came to Manchester, NH, in 1912, when the local YMCA chartered two troops. By 1920, when the Manchester Council was formally presented with its charter, the city boasted 10 troops containing 256 scouts.
And 90 years later, Scouting in Manchester, NH, is still going strong. According to Greg Osborn, Massabesic District Director for the Daniel Webster Council (which covers most of New Hampshire, including Manchester), the local Scout program currently serves 757 city youth with the assistance of nearly 300 adult volunteers. The breakdown is as follows:
- Cub Scouting – 11 packs, 300 youth, 91 volunteers
- Boy Scouting – 12 troops, 206 youth, 175 volunteers
- Venturing – 5 crews, 97 youth, 17 volunteers
- Exploring – 4 posts, 154 youth
After a 15-year absence from the Boy Scouts of America, I was brought back into the scouting fold myself several months ago when I organized Manchester, NH’s newest Cub Scout pack to serve the elementary school-age boys living in the affordable apartments owned by the local nonprofit for which I work.
For boys living in Manchester, NH, especially the center city, Scouting offers experiences that can’t easily be had inside the city limits, things like hiking, camping, fishing and the like. The program also promotes good values and character, as exemplified by the Scout Law, and a strong service ethic. Like any organization, the Boy Scouts of America isn’t perfect, but I firmly believe the benefits it provides to individuals and society at-large far outweigh its shortcomings.
Granted, I'm not exactly neutral when it comes to Scouting. I joined the Cub Scouts in second grade and progressed up the ranks, eventually earning my Arrow of Light and graduating into the Boy Scouts.
Boy Scouts taught me an array of skills, from first aid to wilderness survival. Through the program I learned what it takes to be a good citizen, and about one’s responsibility to self, family and community. I also learned team work, leadership and the importance of helping others. Shortly after my 14th birthday, I became an Eagle Scout:
Now that I’m an adult, I’m glad to have the opportunity to give back to the program that gave so much to me. And I encourage anyone interested in helping boys living in Manchester, NH, to do the same.
“We can always use more volunteers,” said Osborn, “especially in the Cub Scouting program and on the district level (these are the volunteers that help support units in the district in terms of membership, fundraising, activities, advancement, camping, and training).”
To learn more about the Scout-related volunteer opportunities in Manchester, NH, contact Osborn at 625-6431, ext. 124, or via email at greg (dot) osborn (at) scouting (dot) org.
Reader Comments (2)
Did it also teach you how to refuse admittance to others based on their gender identity, sexual orientation or religious views? Or was your willingness to go along with those hateful policies in favor of pine wood derby glory what made it such a rewarding experience?
As I noted in the post, Glenn, I admit that the organization isn't perfect. No organization is. I certainly do not condone discrimination. But I think it's unfair to dismiss all of the positive contributions the Boy Scouts of America has made in the lives of millions of boys, and to our entire society.