Why Do We Volunteer?

While standing in line today at a local McDonalds wearing my Scout uniform, a gentleman in his late 80's early 90's asked me about my Scouting experience.  I proceeded to tell him that I work for The Boy Scouts of America and that I also volunteer my time with my two boys who are also in the Scouting program.  This gentelmen insisited that I move ahead of him in line.  He explained to me that he was a Scout many moons ago and he loved every minute of it.  He was laughing at the fact that he went away to Scout camp every year at Camp Lakota in Defiance and was about the only boy who didn't cry from being homesick at some point during the week.  He continued to say that he would have never joined the Scouts if it was not for the volunteer Scout leaders that made it look exciting and fun.  This gentelmen would not have the stories to tell about the fun days at camp and troop meetings as a young boy if it wasn't for those volunteers asking him to join Scouts and taking him on all the fun adventures.  Please remember this when you ask yourself "Do I want to volunteer? or Why do I do this?".  A 90 year old man still feels blessed to have been a Scout.  AND did I mention that this gentelmens Scout leader was none other than Neil Armstrongs dad.  

What an amazing story!  You could be the leader of the next Astronaut, Presdident, Inventor, etc....and you will have made an impact on their character development, life skills and much more.  Be proud of what you do.  Thank you for taking the time to be this impact on a childs' life.