Official Kids Mag

for organization and that they could use some help." Soon Sue became more involved in J.T.'s den and pack meetings and activities. She didn't want to simply sit in the shadows. "I'm a teacher and educator," she said. "I thought I could help. The cub master asked me to be a co-leader and it's been that way since. I wanted to work side by side with my son. I wanted to cheer him and the other boys on. I wanted to get involved and not be on the sidelines." J.T. doesn't mind having his Mom along for the ride. It brings them closer together. "It encourages me to keep pushing forward," he said. "I'm going to get my Eagle and she keeps me going for it." The big race One annual activity that Cub Scouts all anticipate is the Pinewood Derby. Scouts turn blocks of soft pine into racing cars and compete to see whose car is fastest, best designed and most creatively decorated. J.T. seems to have a knack for the competition. "I've been through the Pinewood Derby four times," he said. "I won first place for speed and I've won something each year." J.T has even snagged the top honor for most creative car in the past, he added. Pinewood Derby has taught J.T. a valuable lesson. "I've learned that it doesn't matter about your place in the race," he said. "It only matters that put your determination in it. It's about keeping going." "Scouting," Sue said, "teaches life skills." J.T. seemed a little more concerned with some more practical skills. "I want to learn survival skills," he said. "I want to learn whittling and stuff like that." As J.T. advances into the Boy Scouts and starts to earn merit badges and fills out his list of desired life skills, he will continue to look forward. Learning life and survival skills is important. But, scouting often comes down to just one really important thing: Friendships. "In scouts you get to hang out with friends and make new friends," he said. "It's just a really special thing to be in. When I get my Eagle I'm going to feel really, really proud." A Scout is Trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him. A Scout is Loyal. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation. A Scout is Helpful. A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward. A Scout is Friendly. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own. A Scout is Courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. A Scout is Kind. A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing. A Scout is Obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them. A Scout is Cheerful. A Scout looks for the bright side. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. A Scout is Thrifty. A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property. A Scout is Brave. A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him. A Scout is Clean. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean. A Scout is Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. The Scout Law consists of twelve points intended to guide the behavior and decisions of scouts. In 1911, Boy Scouts were able to earn as many as 57 merit badges. Today, that number has grown to more than 100, with new badges regularly being added in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. DID YOU KNOW? Arthur Eldred of Oceanside, New York, earned the first Eagle medal ever presented to a Boy Scout in America in the summer of 1911. DID YOU KNOW? J.T. P. and Mom. (Sue P.) Off icialKidsMag.com • FEBRUARY 2018 • 49

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