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Scouting Teaches Character, Perseverance, and Duty to God and Country
Did you know that involvement in Boy Scouts can tie right into how we live out stewardship? After all, the Scout Oath itself can be read as a stewardship statement — “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
Here at Immaculate Conception, we are blessed to have a Boy Scout program that helps teach our youth important, lifelong lessons. And with summer underway, our scouts are ready for plenty of fun and learning. Meeting virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be difficult for the scouts, so our troop members and leadership welcome the opportunity for in-person gatherings
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“I am looking forward to the boys being able to get out more with more social interaction,” says Bill Wilde, who has served for about 20 years as Charter Organization Representative at Immaculate Conception.
Bill most enjoys being outside and camping. He has appreciated the opportunity to witness many boys learn and grow into men during their time in the program. He also values the quality time he’s had with his sons, Jacob and Michael, who each attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scout program.
Serving alongside Bill is Scoutmaster Todd Hill, who leads the troop of 11 to 18-year-olds.
The troop attended a week-long summer camp in June, and they have also gone on various hiking excursions. There’s hope to attend Philmont, a highadventure camp in New Mexico, in the near future.
It makes sense for the Boy Scouts to be affiliated with Immaculate Conception as so many of the Boy Scout values are also Christian values. Bill enjoys the Boy Scout’s focus on the outdoors and outdoor safety. He also appreciates the 12 points of the Scout Law — “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”
The boys also can learn more about various career fields while earning their merit badges, while having plenty of fun and building their own leadership skills along the way.
“Each boy will have numerous opportunities to lead their peers and develop these skills,” Bill says. “They learn to get up in front of their troop to talk and make presentations.”
