I volunteer to take other peoples’ teenage boys camping - for fun.

Not exactly the top choice of that many people.  Especially those that do not have any kids of their own.  Yet, it is something that I really enjoy and look forward to.

It is partially because of the great outdoors.  It is fun to sit on the back porch with a glass of sweet tea and watch the sunset and people using the park next door.  Getting further out is even more fun for me.  Driving up to a popular lake, hiking along a mountain creek or backpacking into a heated canyon excites me.  Testing my skills against nature makes me content.  Succeeding against difficulties most people shun makes me proud and confident.

That is not the main draw of being a Scoutmaster and taking other peoples’ sons camping.

Teaching

Many of the boys that I work with come from stable homes and families that are solidly middle class.  Despite being urban, they have a great environment to grow up in.  A few are less fortunate, living in single parent homes.  A few camp as a family, but for several, Scouting is their best (only?) opportunity to get into the outdoors.

It is also my best opportunity to teach.  I estimate that I have spent more than a year outdoors during my life.  Usually in 1 to 2 night increments, but several one to two week expeditions.  This has made me comfortable and competent in the outdoors - although I will not claim to be an expert.  I do know enough that I can teach the basics of comfort, survival and Leave No Trace.

Part of the enjoyment for me is watching the young, uncomfortable ten-year olds grow up into experienced, confident, competent teens and young adults.  The best part if that it is about more than just camping and hiking.

Responsibility

The boys learn about the requirements of responsibility.  Usually, it is by suffering the consequences of not being responsible.  For the smartest ones, they only forget the poncho or the extra layer of clothes once.  For others, it is a regular experience forgetting important bits of gear or information.  Fortunately, I have never had a situation where I’ve needed to alleviate the situation for a health or safety reason.

The best ones begin to demonstrate the responibility beyond themselves.  Some volunteer to teach the newer scouts.  Others step into leadership roled in the troop and flourish.  Each scout grows up in their own way, but it is rewarding to see when it finally ‘clicks’ and they begin to understand what the program is truly about.

Those scouts that get it account for most of the scouts that earn their Eagle award.  It is a proud moment when each of them receives that award - the cumulation of a lot of work on their part and their parent’s part with the willing assistance of many others.

Results

In the end, the reason that I enjoy being a Scoutmaster so much is that the results are so impressive.  I have fun spending time in the outdoors, working with young men who are learning a lot and beginning to demonstrate the skills of leaders and model citizens.  For the small amount of money that it costs, the rewards of the program are so great.

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