It is difficult for me to understand why some people do not volunteer. Especially with so many worthwhile organizations always having trouble finding enough people just to keep their programs functioning. In many cases, with more volunteers, these organizations could expand their programs to reach and help more people.

I know I cannot help every deserving organization out there. So, I have chosen the ones I volunteer for carefully. One of those is the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The BSA is committed to helping boys grow into responsible young men that exhibit the best morals, citizenship, and self-sufficiency possible.

As a youth member, I benefited from the time and effort of many adults who worked with the program. As a youth member, I did everything I could with the program and believe my efforts helped improve it. As an adult,I have now been a member for several years and am now entrusted with running the program for a unit. I am the leader, despite not having any children yet.

I choose to put in the hours each week for the program though, because I believe in what it is doing. Having experienced it, I know that with the right leaders, who are committed for the right reasons, and with the right support from the parents the impact can be life-long and life-changing.

Boys who may or may not have a good environment at home have a chance to learn fun skills and absorb life lessons in an environment that allows them to fails safely, that challenges them year after year, and which recognizes achievement. It is a challenge to balance running things and letting the boys have their turn. The challenge is part of the reason it is so rewarding when everything goes right.

If the job of a professional Scouter was not so focused on raising money, I would consider that as a career option. That is how much I have seen this programoffer in changing lives and developing boys into men to be proud of.

Even if the BSA is not the right place for you to volunteer, I strongly urge everybody to find the right place and contribute.

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