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Hopefully philanthropy will step in to save traditional values of scouting.

Every Bible-based, true-teaching church could charter a Pack (Cub Scouts) and a Troop (Boy Scouts), actively recruit in their local neighborhoods, and include Scouting as part of their Youth Ministry. Just like so many NCC churches do.

Every Bible-based, true-teaching church could charter a Pack (Cub Scouts) and a Troop (Boy Scouts), actively recruit in their local neighborhoods, and include Scouting as part of their Youth Ministry.

An excellent suggestion. Many long-established troops are sponsored by churches, but sometimes when the key leaders move away or get burned out the troop just dwindles. There is always a need for "fresh troops" to continue expanding and extending Scouting's influence.

If you know of a troop near you, why not ask around and offer your help? Or if you are in a church that does not host a troop, talk to the people at the area Boy Scout council about how to get organized. The Council will provide all the training and support you need to get a group of adults organized as a committee that will oversee the new troop.

And, by the way, while Boy Scouts have a high percentage of male leaders, female leaders are also welcomed -- both for Cubs and Scouts.

I have tears in my eyes just thinking about some of the opportunities for encouraging young teens and building their confidence and leadership skills that I have experienced over the past few years as an Assistant Scoutmaster. (Last night I helped two 16-year-olds look at the requirements for their next rank advancement and plot out a plan for accomplishing them -- and I often think how I longed for that kind of personal "I know you can do it" encouragement when I was that age).