SPOTLIGHT

THE BOY SCOUTS IN 2012
by Amy Gasperetti

Is there still a place in today's society, in this day and age for Boy Scouts? I sure hope so. After my interview with Dr. Matt Sumpter, I believe we need this organization more than ever. Long before he was Dr. Sumpter, Matt was a Cub Scout, then a Boy Scout, then among the few who earned his Eagle Scout before leaving for college.

When Dr. Sumpter returned to Pueblo, not only did he put his boys in the program, he also became a leader. He now sits on the Executive Board and Council for Boy Scouts. My question was "what made you choose this?" I mean really, a doctor (a cardiologist no less) a father, a husband, it's obvious he has plenty pulling at his time. He must have a strong belief and passion for this organization to commit his precious time to it. So what was it that he experienced that he thought was so incredible that he involves his children and devotes his time to Boy Scouts?

Dr Sumpter says he has fond memories of his time in the scouts."The skills you learn are invaluable and principals taught in Scouts are the principals we should all live life by". When you start in Cub Scouts you learn values, cooperation and skills. By the time you move into Boy Scouts, you are already involved in leadership. Adults are seen more as advisors as the scouts are leading, teaching and mentoring. These boys learn self reliance, skills, leadership, cooperation and much more.

So we are raising self reliant, cooperative boys who have natural leadership skills. My next question is "how about giving back to the community?" The answer: Community Service is a big part of what they do. In fact as you work toward your Eagle Scout, you must organize and complete a community project. With everything from evaluating hazards and having a safety plan to finding the volunteers and equipment to... yes, raising the money needed to fund the project. Some of the projects completed locally include an electronics recycling program, sprinkling system installed for a local non profit organization and park renovations. WOW. (I think my daughter will only be allowed to date Boy Scouts).

This is the type of young man I want to raise. We share strong values in our family but I still believe it takes a village to raise a child and I want a village with this focus, these values, these results. I encourage you to visit their website at

http://rmcbsa.org/ , read the Mission, Vision, Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts. There are opportunities everywhere, including a focus to support single parents and scholarships for those who can't afford these programs. As the US Boy Scouts celebrate 102 years, maybe it's time we all take another serious look at this incredible organization that should always hold a strong place in our community, our village. You can also contact Luann Martinez, assistant scout executive for more information at their office located at 411 S. Pueblo Blvd. or by calling 561-1220.