I am the proud parent of an Eagle Scout. My son, Derek, started out in scouting at age 10 and kept at it until he was 20 and left for college.
Boys Scouts from the Past
Until he started to drive and took a leadership roll, I was very active in the scouting program and highly recommend it to any parent.
If you think that scouting is just about camping, you’re in for a big surprise. Scouting has had to change with the times, adding programs that involve computers and technology. As a scout, you learn about responsibility, leadership skills and personal fitness. This year marks 100 years and there will be lots of celebrating culminating in what promises to be the biggest National Jamboree of all.
A boy can start scouting at age 7 as a cub scout. At this age, he does a lot of crafts, outdoor exploring and some camping. All the boys earn the same badges as they work through the requirements together. Most of these requirements are earned during regular weekly meetings. Derek had an excellent den mother (the adult leader of a Cub Scout troop). She was able to keep the boys organized and busy.
I was a merit badge counselor and worked on many planning committees including fundraisers, educational programs and in later years several 50-mile backpack trips. At home I used the Boy Scout merit badge program for a lot of my Derek’s home education. He earned more than 30 merit badges, learning many skills including: outdoor skills, cooking, study and research skills, first aid, personal and financial management.
At around 10 years old Derek moved on to Boy Scouts. 
Boy Scout Summer Camp
When a boy has earned the required number of merit badges, he must take on a troop project in order to earn his Eagle Scout rank. The boy chooses the project, but it has to meet certain criteria and must be passed before an Eagle Scout board. Normally the project involves some kind of community service. The entire project is lead by the boy working for the badge.
Boy Scout Badges
He has to do all the planning, acquire all the equipment and supplies, organize the project and be the “boss” during the completion of the project.
Be Prepared, is the scouts motto. The Boy Scout program does make it possible for just that. What you get out of the program is up to your son. I would recommend it to anyone, but get them hooked while they’re young. Otherwise you will lose them to video games. And be involved with them. This shows your son that the program is important and worthwhile. For more information on the Boy Scouts, check out the National Boy Scoutwebsite. Here you will find tons of information for all levels of scouting plus how to get involved.
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