Early on in scouting Jonathan and I saw an older scout missing the chance to achieve getting eagle because he had become 18 and not finished his eagle project.
Jonathan saw other older scouts just barely meeting the minimum requirements only days before 18. He saw other scouts just giving up and dropping out.
I explained to Jonathan to never be that guy... and so he choose to excel in rank as fast as he could learn, and as rapidly as scouting allowed.
Now that he is an Eagle, he has time to continue scouting and join order of the arrow and get his eagle palms. He also has time for sports, girls, video games, music and my space.
Boys participates in scouting by going to meetings and outings with friends, strangers who become friends and adult leaders.
He is told to get a 450 page book called the boy scout manual. If he has a good scoutmaster like Jim Roope, the boy is told to read the book. No one reads the book for the boy. They have to figure out to read it themeless and that is one of the first lessons in scouting, personal accountability.
The book taught Jonathan scout signs, salutes, handshakes, laws, mottos, slogans, how to tie knots that could save lives, and how to properly wear a uniform. He also learned NOT to be molested or abused by other men.
He went on to learn to prepare any gear needed for emergency survival, camping rules, how to prepare a meal and clean up, learned about ropes and more knots, to hike safely and what to do if lost. He learned how to respect and care for an american flag, to organize a flag ceremony at a government building, the importance of the buddy system, how to memorize things, to build his muscles and strength, some CPR, some first aid and saving lives.
He went on to learn how to use a compass, navigate by sun and stars, and read and orient a map. By this time he had camped 5 times and learned how to use and care for a knife, saw and axe.
He learns several ways of preparing a fire, to prepare to cook for five people starting from planning, budget and purchasing nutritious foods from all food groups.
He gathers all cooking supplies, utensils, condiments, plates, pots, soaps, and does all the cleaning. He had to do a community service project, identify or show evidence of at least 10 animals in his community, he prepares his own first aid kit from scratch. He learns 10 additional first aid techniques to save lives, how to swim and swim safely, how to rescue drowning swimmers, about health, hygiene, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, tobacco abuse and dangers of premarital sex.
He goes on to learn how to find directions during the day and night without a map, or compass, how to teach people how to get from one place to another without a map.
By this time he has been on 10 camp outs and has perfected cooking for 5 people on a budget of a about $4 per person. He learns how to handle and store fresh foods, about readymade and makeshifts pots, pans and utensils.
He learns how to find and identify 10 native plants in his community. He learns more knots and lashings, how to tie things together with ropes to make buildings, shelter and so many other things with ropes you would be amazed.
He learns 10 additional first aid techniques to save lives including how to rescue people. He perfects being a safe swimmer. And he learns about his constitutional rights, obligations and responsibilities as a citizen.
He went on to do many more service hours and be active and an asset in the community. He goes on to perfect and teach all his learned skills for about 6 months to other scouts.
He had to choose, be elected or be assigned a leadership position in which he was in charge of a patrol of scouts or the entire troop for 6 months.
At this point in time he has earned 7 merit badges. A merit badge shows that a boy competently understands the subject each badge represents.
Jonathan studied and earned merit badges of Archery, camping, citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the world, and how to collect and organize things with a badge called collections. He went on to do many more service hours and be more active and an asset in the community. He again goes on to further perfect and teach all his learned skills for about 6 months to his fellow scouts. Jonathan chose to be an instructor of skills.
He again had to choose, be elected or be assigned a leadership role in which he was in charge of a patrol of scouts or the entire troop for 6 months. Jonathan chose to be an instructor of skills.
He earned the following additional merit badges of communications, crime prevention, electronics, emergency preparedness, environmental science, family life, fingerprinting, fire safety, first aid & lifesaving,
He again had to choose, be elected or be assigned a leadership role in which he was in charge of a patrol of scouts or the entire troop for 6 months. Jonathan chose to be an instructor of skills. He spearheads a community service project totaling over 130 work hours .
He earned more merit badges in mammal study, orienteering, pioneering, personal fitness, personal management, railroading, scholarship, shotgun shooting, snow sports, swimming, wilderness survival & wood carving.
The skills learned in scouting are not taught in schools or mandated by government. If not for scouting, the skills learned in scouting would most likely otherwise never have been learned.
While other parents prioritized and guided their sons to sports, music, arts and whatever else over scouting, I must confess, I was there for my son to obtain Eagle Scout. I was his companion. I excersied my God given right to influence, guide, encourage and observe him. I went on nearly all of his treks and camp outs.
What I did NOT do was read the book for him. What I did not do is take his merit badge classes. What I did not do is pitch his tent or do his cooking or tie his knot's or his shoes laces. He earned Eagle Scout on his own.
I have said countless times to countless people, scouting is Gods gift to mankind to show the road to a boy to becoming a man.
I am so proud to introduce, the man, the eagle scout, my son Jonathan DeSimone.