Boy Scouts leaders promote unique opportunities for growth

By Jazmine Knight

In honor of National Boy Scouts Day, local Scouts leaders are highlighting the fun activities and lifelong skills that the organization can provide.

Boy Scouts of America is celebrating 114 years in 2024. In St. Joseph, Boy Scouts presents opportunities to learn about future careers, give back to the community and build life-saving skills.

Alan Franks, scout executive for Boy Scouts of America in St. Joseph, said the program is all about “instilling a sense of value and building leadership skills in young people and instilling in them the importance of giving back to the community through service.”

Scouts get to explore nature through activities such as camping, backpacking, hiking, whitewater rafting, rope climbing and more.

“A lot of the outdoor physical activities are designed to get young people outside, off their computers and into the outdoors and learning about their world,” Franks said.

Erik McGuire, a Boy Scout for 33 years and current district director for Boy Scouts of America, talked about how he practically had to beg his mom to take him to his first Cub Scout meeting. He’s been with the Scouts practically ever since.

“I’ve had a number of different experiences and roles, ranging from being a Scout to being a Scout employee to now being a Scout dad and a Scout volunteer here,” McGuire said. “It’s just been great.”

His fondest Boy Scout memories are taking a field trip to the Topeka Zoo, competing in the Pinewood Derby and going to camp in the summer.

Now as a Scout parent, McGuire remembers the fun he used to have as a young Scout but he cherishes the lessons he learned along the way.

“As a parent, you really notice the impact that fun has on those kids without them even realizing all the character development, citizenship, personal fitness and leadership that they’re getting in the program,” McGuire said. “That’s really what gives hope to the promise of our program is the impact that it makes on the young people.”

In celebration of National Boy Scouts Day, the St. Joseph troops hosted their highly anticipated Pinewood Derby.

“They have to build their cars and it starts with just a little kit that’s a piece of pinewood and they have to design it and shape it up into a fast car and paint it up,” McGuire said.

Additionally, they also have some upcoming merit badge clinics and Scout Sunday events for the whole month of February.

Boy Scouts is open to all kindergartners through 12th graders, male or female.

“Scouts get to travel and make lifelong memories in a way that I don’t think any other program provides. And we would encourage anyone to consider just giving it a chance,” McGuire said.

For more information, call the St. Joseph’s Boy Scouts of America troop at (816) 233-1351.