Gents;
Prefaced by, what the heck do I know, I'm just an old Eagle Scout (1976), who spent way too long in Scouting.
I'll go to my grave advocating for the program. Admittedly, during my time, the stars aligned, it was a serendipitous harmonizing of leaders, parents and kids. We didn't know from the district or council, we had den meetings in my den leaders basement once a week, when we worked on badges, or projects, (do you still make your own sleds for the Klondikes, tweaking them from year to year?), but mostly BONDING as a patrol. I always learned more from the shared adversity, then the good times, but good or bad, we faced it together as a patrol, then as a troop. Troop meetings were once a month, We always had some activity at least once a month, courts of honor as necessary, and participated in 3 council wide events yearly, Trek-o-re, camp-o-re, and Klondike, with competition between patrols for the quickest time and most "gold nuggets".
Scout leaders, committee members and active parents, are the scouts world, and have the greatest impact on the individual scouts. Strong leaders, and parents that have their head screwed on straight, that will "live" the program, and have the kids best interest at heart, make a world of difference to each and every kid in the troop.
And yeah, I'm the black sheep that teaches ax , knife (slippie and fixed) (after tote 'n chip), fire making, shelter building, snares/traps, hunting etc...

We're not just making good responsible citizens, we're training woodsmen. The Oath and Law and Motto, ain't just words to memorize.
Probably said too much, but this stuff matters, kids are hard pressed to find what this program teaches elsewhere, and to my mind, to their detriment.
Regards, Jim
ETA: best kept secret in my sons troop was that we took a hike where we saw some timber rattlers. If you EVER want to see Fred or Sam again, best not let mom know you hike and camp where there are critters that can cause them harm. (gorgeous snakes)

Yeah, I have the "give back" bug, but folks look at you kind of strange, when you don't have a kid in the troop.
