Saturday I took a trip out to the Crosby Arboretum to cover a group of young people who dedicated part of their weekend to help clean up a trail.
There, Boy Scouts of all ages were out at the local botanical garden putting muscle power behind rakes.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America programs are worthwhile endeavors I think every child should participate in, if even for a little while.
For a short time in my childhood I was a Boy Scout.
It was a pleasant experience that taught me how to respect nature and the outdoors.
That experience, combined with teachings from my parents, is part of the reason I enjoy and respect the outdoors so much.
Responsibly tending to campfires, tying knots and earning merit badges are just some of the things Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts learn while in the program.
But community service is probably the most important thing.
When young people learn about giving back to a community, they gain a vested interest in other people, which leads to the creation of natural leaders.
While I never made it to Eagle Scout, I’ve always respected those who have put forth the years and effort to achieve such a distinction.
The Scout program is not the only way for children to learn about the outdoors and becoming a responsible member of the community.
The best teachers are a young person’s family; from the parents to the extended members of uncles and cousins, everyone can lend something to a person’s upbringing.
If you know of a parent, uncle, or just a friend of the family who is contributing positively to a child’s development into a future leader, take a second and thank them for their efforts.
The fate of future generations is determined by the efforts we put in today.