Scouting continues to fill a need for boys

Congratulations to Beverly Cub Scout Pack 210 which celebrated 50 years of scouting this weekend, and to everyone associated with Boy Scouts of America, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this week.

It's easy to see scouting is still going strong. The Pinewood Derby, held annually at Grand Central Mall, drew hundreds of Scouts and supporters this past weekend despite wintery weather. The derby is just one example of how scouting uses a fun event to teach life lessons.

There are lots of reasons people love scouting: There's going to camp, getting to know others involved in scouting and participating in the various projects and events that keep scouting fun and interesting.

There are 110 million Boy Scouts across the U.S., and Washington County is home to 26 Cub Scout Packs. Boy Scouting got its start from Chicago publisher William Boyce, who wanted to provide a program in the community that would groom good men and good citizens. We think scouting has proven it does just that. It has shown it can change with the times and still be relevant for the people involved while also holding on to the those core values which make up the foundation of the organization.

We salute all of the parents and adults who give of their time and themselves to keep scouting alive, and we want to encourage all of the kids involved to stick with scouting for the long haul. It has much to teach them.

"A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent," states the Scout law.

What more could you want or expect from the young men of this community? We expect scouting will be around for many, many years to come.