You know, I was Scoutmaster for quite a few years in our little town, and I mean little (1,500 est. pop.). We have maintained an average Troop strength of 15-18 boys and BTW, they stay with us THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL! Yeah, unreal in today's cynical society where everything is a put-down.
We attended Summer camp every year and a High Adventure Camp in ADDITION to the Summer camp every other year. For those unfamiliar with Scouting, High Adventure is an expedition (backpacking, canoeing, sailing, etc.) for an extended period in remote areas. There were only four active leaders and let me tell you, it sapped us.
We did not tolerate "paper" Scouts, those that were on the roster but never attended, never could understand that, so we kept it "lean and mean (not in attitude)" but it worked better. One needs to teach them what obligations mean, since they joined then they need to TAKE PART in activities, planning, etc., etc., put their money where their mouths are.
Had five of those boys in the military at the same time, three in Iraq (USMC) during the first push to Baghdad--at the same time. Excuse me if some of you have heard this before but I will continue bragging on those boys. Meanwhile, some of our "hero" jocks in HS fell short of the mark, their knee injuries kept them from serving their country, this after making fun of my Scouts through the years. Yeah, big hero jocks okay.
We just had another Eagle Scout join the USCG (this'll make Tonkin's heart sing) who finished processing a few days ago. We didn't point these boys those directions (to the military) but it shows what "service to others" does to young men. God bless those boys, we still have three serving, not counting our Coastie, they have shown many the way.
Keep bragging about those boys, FRiend. You did a good job helping to teach and raise good men. We need more folks who can do your kind of service. This is what represents the best of the Scouts.