Most parents agree that they made mistakes raising their children. If they could only turn back the clock and try again… Though my husband and I fall into this category, there is one thing we got right: encouraging our boys’ involvement in Scouting. The Boy Scouts influenced our three sons in ways we could not, and opened a world of opportunities to them.
In 1972, the only thing my family knew about Scouting was that Troop 16 met in the basement of our church on Wednesday nights. When a recruiting poster appeared on the church bulletin board claiming that Scouting developed character and taught leadership skills, my husband and I decided our oldest son should join. We lived in a neighborhood with no other children. It sounded like a good way to expose him to kids, while instilling some worthwhile values.
“No thanks!” said ten-year-old Mike. “Scouting’s not for me. I don’t know anything about it.” 
We weren’t surprised. Our son hated trying anything new, or being the center of attention. He had refused to learn a musical instrument in the fourth grade, and to go roller skating with friends — because he didn’t know how.
It wasn’t in my makeup to force our children. My role models were June Cleaver and Carol Brady, after all, who sweet-talked, lovingly coaxed, and reasoned with their kids. It didn’t work with Mike, and in the end, we had to insist.
“All we’re asking is that you give it a try, son,” said John. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to join.” I offered to go into that first meeting with him.
I don’t recall Mike’s exact words, but they were something along the lines of, “The only thing worse than entering a room full of strangers who stare at you and judge you, is being led in by your mother.”
I dropped him off one Wednesday evening, and watched him walk into the building as though he were entering the OR for major surgery. For the next two hours, I pictured poor Mike, alone and miserable — the only one not in uniform, and completely lost.
I returned early, in case he had taken refuge in the parking lot. Mike emerged from that first meeting with a non-committal expression and handed me an envelope. “This is for you,” he said. “I need a bunch of stuff.” I was encouraged.
That week, between trips to the Scout store, I filled out forms. When I saw the expression on John’s face as he looked at the receipt for the uniform, neckerchief, belt, hat, and socks–as well as a Scout book, I knew our son was in Scouts for the long haul — or at least as long as it took to outgrow that uniform.
The following Wednesday Mike left the meeting with a smile. He bounced onto the front seat of our station wagon and handed me a bulging envelope.
“This is for you–” roughly 10,000 patches to be sewn onto the uniform before the following Wednesday.
I slipped a thimble onto my finger and pushed a needle through layers of thick fabric while John helped our son learn the Scout pledge, sign, salute, and handshake. In the coming weeks, we would test him on the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan. Each advancement in rank, and earned merit badge, sent me running to the sewing box. On the bright side, we no longer had to coerce Mike. Now, he reminded me when it was time for Scouts.
As luck would have it, Troop 16 had a Cub Scout pack for our two younger sons, Scott and Phil. Before I could click my heels three times and invoke the name Baden-Powell, I was a Cub Scout den mother, sewing patches and badges on four uniforms, including my own. The sewing box was a permanent fixture on the coffee table. Seven enthusiastic boys descended weekly on our basement. I planned activities and field trips and worked on projects, feeling like a classroom teacher again. While I attended monthly committee and pack meetings, John took his place on the Boy Scout committee, becoming a liaison between the church and Troop 16 and attending frequent meetings.
Several years later at an awards ceremony where all three boys had earned multiple Boy Scout merit badges, our middle son looked at me with a concerned expression. “What’s wrong, Mom? You don’t look so good.”
“Just a little indigestion,” I said, eyeing a mound of new badges and rubbing the ache in my thimble finger.
I’d had a vision of my role as Scout mother, way back when I sent Mike off to that first meeting: every Wednesday evening I would drop what I was doing and drive my son to a meeting; two hours later I would drive back and pick him up. Sure, it would be an intrusion into our family life, but I expected to sacrifice for my sons; they were worth it. I was even willing to bake some cookies from time to time. Silly me!
The current ‘troop projects’ involved not only the boys. In the winter, they piled into the station wagon with their father and delivered heavy boxes of Florida oranges they had sold to neighbors and church members. In the summer, they collected bundles of newspapers from neighbors for re-cycling. Gone, were carefree week-ends. When there wasn’t a camping trip, canoeing, hiking, or a jamboree, my husband and I were on duty as merit badge counselors: John worked with boys on their God and Country awards while I taught skills for the Horseman badge.
After spending three stressful weeks whittling chunks of balsa wood into racing cars for the ‘pinewood derby,’ I suggested adding a ‘truth-in-advertising’ clause about parent involvement, to the recruiting poster on the church bulletin board. The Scout committee thought I was kidding. At the same meeting, I raised my hand to suggest that a Scout’s first merit badge should be a mandatory ‘sewing’ badge. It occurred to me that they might make me the ‘sewing merit badge counselor.’ I put my hand down.
In retrospect, forcing Mike into that first meeting enriched all of our lives. The many benefits of Scouting are well documented. Successful people from all walks of life speak to the importance of Scouting in their lives — CEOs, presidents, astronauts, tradesmen, engineers, businessmen, and yes, even TV personalities. Mike credits Scouting with teaching him to stick with a task and see it through no matter how difficult or unpleasant. Scott thanks Scouting for prying him from his books and forcing him to interact with peers. Phil says that Scouting made him more self-reliant.
When our family was together recently, I asked my sons to share their favorite Scouting experience. I expected to hear about a canoe trip on the C&O Canal — a Scouting Expo — or a hike up Old Rag Mountain and that growling bear outside the tent… But they all agreed that it was the week they spent at Broad Creek Scout Camp every summer. John and I exchanged smiles, remembering that quiet, peaceful, self-indulgent week we’d spent in 1977 — the year all three of our boys left for camp together. They were 16, 13, and 11. Not even the smelly mess returning with them at the end of the week could spoil that week for us.
And, no, I’m not bitter that modern Boy Scout patches and badges are iron-on. And I’m sure there’s no connection between my arthritic fingers and sewing on badges and patches.
Yea, Boy Scouts!
115 Comments
Mrs. Rowe…
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As a mother of two wonderful young men… I got a kick out of reading your post!!! We too, have been scouting parents for the better part of 15yrs and can certainly identify with you!!!
Through the very first camp-out (poison ivy and all), to countless polar bears, summer camp, meetings, courts of honor, trips all over our home state of Michigan and several other states including 2005 Jambo… my husband has been there for it all. Sleeping on straw in a January snow storm, trotting through mud collecting sugar maple sap, and teaching the fine art of knot tying(just like every other assistant scout master / superman). And as you, my job was to sew the ranks, council badges, troop numbers etc… finally putting all but the current ones on two BSA wool blankets and one coat!!! (By hand of course!… got the puncture marks to prove it!!!
Scouting has had such a profound influence on my (3) boys.. Dad included. They have bonded as father & sons… they have met and became lifelong friends with many of their troop pals, and I have watched with pride, my boys becoming the young men I had always dreamed of raising.
My oldest son is an Eagle Scout, my youngest son has just turned in his Eagle Application, and I look so forward to the upcoming Eagle Court of Honor.. when I see him join the ranks of those who stuck it out, worked hard and achieved such a goal….
It’s something they can certainly be proud of!!!
Mary P. MI
I can’t believe my 2 boys are eagle scouts and away at college already. I recall the day when my second son a 5th grader athe the time, told me he no longer wanted to go to the scout meetings. We were having problems with him at school and nothing I tried worked to get him to buckle down and pass his classes. My solution was to “punish” him and make him go to every scout meeting, campout or event that was planned. Boy did that get him mad. To this day I am not sure if that actually worked on his grades or not but when he thanked his father and I at his Eagle court of honor for “punishing” him by making him stay in scouting was worth every minute of the “one hour a week” volunteering that we did.
Just one small note: as a Scoutmaster I consider it my duty to advise Scout Moms that it is not their job to sew patches on uniforms. It is the responsibility of the Scout. You wouldn’t pack his backpack for him would you?
After graduating Eagle Scouts with a Bronze palm at the age of 14, and traveling to my friend’s wedding (now we are 25) It is amazing the friendships I have THANKS TO boy scouts. ALL of my best friends from my middle and high school years are thanks to boy scouts.
I am now a 25 year old business owner and my leadership, compassion and ability to know how to advance my knowledge are thanks to boy scouts. The parents helped push us forward, but it was scouting that kept us together.
Thanks to Boy Scouts I am truly a happy adult.
Mrs. Rowe – What a wonderful story! Also sounds a bit familiar. When my twins (now 24) decided they wanted to be Tigers, my husband and I went to the meeting to sign them up. I was 8 months pregnant with my 4th child and agreed they could join as long as I didn’t have to do a thing! Well, 18 years later, as Den mother, chaparone, summer camp adult leader – all four sons made it to Eagle. I’ve often said that #4 was born into scouting! Now I must go on to Mike Rowe’s page and prepare the letter to my newest Eagle! Thanks for a wonderful story. You should be proud of your sons!
Our oldest son, Frisco, is an Eagle Scout and is now the active assistant camp ranger at Camp James Ray at age 19. He asked if he could borrow the sewing kit to take to camp as he is temporarily living there. We told him to keep it, we will start another one. Scouts have been wonderful for our kids and family. Our youngest, Benjamin, is a second year Webelo.
Mrs. Rowe,
My family has a similar story to yours right down to the boy who didn’t want to go to that first meeting. Tonight, that boy will be receiving his Life rank and presiding over a Court of Honor as Senior Patrol Leader. Our youngest will be receiving Tenderfoot and his first merit badge, (Fingerprinting).
Congratulations to you & your husband for being involved and helping to make scouting a great experience not only for your sons, but for all of the boys in Troop 16.
Yours In Scouting,
Joe Preiser
Thank you for this! As an avid scout family we understand how important scouting is but trying to convey that to others in our area has been difficult. Several of the families are heavy into sports and trying to convince them that scouts is something their sons should do can be difficult. Again, thank you!
The article was great, it said it all!! I guess that is why I have been in scouting for 35 years.
Ed Lusky Eagle Scout ( 1957 )
I have two eagles. The youngest started as a Tiger and is now an Assistant Scoutmaster. The skills he learned in Scouting have provided his summer employment for over five years. The life skills they learned continue to provide a path of guidance for them.
It was so nice to see Mike on the cover of NESA magazine a couple of months ago.
I joined Cub Scouts in 1962 and am still involved as an adult leader. My two sons are Eagle Scouts and you stories ring true. At my youngest sons Eagle Ceremony, both boys thanked their mom and I for the time we spent together is Scouting and letting them enjoy the many adventures they had there.
Mike is an example of what a man who was taught character and respect for a work ethic can accomplish. Like many scouts I have known over the years, Mike is confident enough in himself that he does not need to boast or make fun of others. Good Job Mr. and Mrs. Rowe.
Mrs. Rowe, what a great story. As a professional Scouter, it is great to see messages like this on how someone as well known as Mike credits his success in part to our program. I know many boys come in the same way and then have such a wonderful time. It’s stories like these and the personal stories from Scouts I have worked with that convince me that having a career with the Boy Scouts of America was the decision. Thank you for pushing him, and God Bless You.
Mrs. Rowe. Thank you for a great story about Scouting. I regret not receiving my Eagle Scout award and I have been encourageing young men that I work with to do all that they can to earn their merit badges and the Eagle rank bgefore they turn 16, when the FUMES kick in. Once I got trained as a Scout Leader in 1980, (Cub Master) I started to have a lot of fun in Scouting. Parents who don’t get envolved with their sons or daughters in Scouting are missing out on a great relationship with their child. Where would Mike be if it hadn’t been for Scouting. Which merit badge got him started in the work he is doing today?
Alvin Crown OA Advisor/ EL-KU-TA Lodge
Mrs. Rowe,
Thank you for writing this.
At this moment, I am unable to use my thumb to hit the space bar because of a burn which has blistered last night when I was hot gluing my son’s most recent pile of merit badges on his sash. I gave up sewing them long ago.
There were so many points in your story that are familiar. Committee positions, NOT volunteering for more merit badge counselor tasks, the shuttling…and now OA.
Yet, today, I got to get up early to drop my son off to help at the Cub Scout Olympics and pick him up a few hours later and listen to him talk non-stop for 45 minutes about the event, the cub scouts, and how it was organized.
This is how I judge his interest: how long he talks about something without stopping when I pick him up AND if he breathes during the monologue. Summer camp is easily good for over an hour and half of that time is without taking a breath.
Thank you for speaking for all of us.
I like that idea of the scouts sewing on their own badges!
Being a former Scoutmaster and now the COR for the Troop, Pack and Crew you have brought a smile to my face. I had 4 boys in Scouting and was bleseed to have 2 of them attain the Rank of Eagle. Were else can a 11 year old shoot a rifle, properly use a knife, axe and hatchet and not get yeld at. 100 years of helping boys become men
Our family is working on 4 generations now if you count my grandparents which did much the same thing you did that first meeting. Thousands of projects later our family has become the MacGywer’s of what ever we are involved in. And btw, you should have taken my wife’s approach to badges… I’ll get to it later. She thought the kids might sew them on. Nope. Dad did tire of them whining about “Johnny already has his on.”
Mrs. Rowe-
My mother continued to sew my badges on until she was 85…then I started using the cleaners. Adults in BSA usually wear fewer than the Scouts. The cleaners did almost as well and, yes, I agree iron on badges don’t work very well.
Larry Widdis
Great story Peggy I got into Boy Scouts in 1977. Started out as a Webelo Leader.I slowly climbed up the ladder as the years gone by. Cub Master, Assistance Scout Master, Scout Master and Camping chairman for the Los Angles Area Concil. I got two sons but they dropped out but that was okay, There were a lot of other Boy’s that needed to learn scouting and have a lot of fun. The other leaders are great people and to this day we consider ourselves as a family. Troop 283 has gotten around close to 30 Eagle scouts.I am still in scouts but inactive. Take care Peggy and remember the good times you had with your sons and scouting.
Joe Szabo
Wonderful story. As an Eagle Scout, and a father of an Eagle Scout and a daughter who was the President of a Ventrue Crew, Scouting has been a big part of our family life. I can relate to the sore fingers. I have always been the sewer in the family. A skill I learned when I was a Scout. Thanks for your support to the Scouting movement.
My mom was my Den mother and my dad did plenty of behind the scenes work. He even helped construct tent platforms at our council’s camp – which I have helped with for the past 3 summers! Whether it was Scouts or volunteering in the church, I learned my place in the world and my duty to my fellow citizens by the example set by my parents. Thank God for parents like you, Peggy!
Peg, your story sounds almost identical to mine. Three sons all involved in Scouts. During the Cub years, I held almost every position on the committee. The council still claims you only have to dedicate an hour a week to the program. We all laugh at that one! But our family wouldn’t have it any other way. My youngest, who is a Eagle Scout, is now serving as Assistant Scoutmaster for his former troop. My husband is Committee Chair. Me…I retired two years ago, packed away my sunny yellow Cub Leader shirt in a box with my Boy Scout Committee shirt. There are times I still miss being involved, but after 17 years I need to move on. There’s nothing more important a parent can do than to encourage their sons to become Scouts. It turns them into responsible men. I’m proud my sons had been part of this oganization. Reading your comments brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. I’m honored to be included in the long list of parents like you who have dedicated themselves to their sons and the Boy Scouts. We’re a special breed!
Yea, Boy Scouts indeed!!
I am the mother of two Eagle Scouts. My boys are now 22 and 17. My husband and I have been involved as leaders for 17 years and have really enjoyed helping many boys through the program. Many people believe that BSA stands for Baby-Sitters Anonymous, but they don’t know what they’re missing by not getting involved. Our lives have been enriched by our work with the scouts – I really believe in this program and what it does for the boys in it.
Thank you for a wonderful story. My son idolizes Mike, he has seen every one of the Dirty Jobs episodes multiple times. He made Eagle in 2008, in spite of a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. This summer as he scrapes dishes as a staff member at Gerber Scout Camp, he does with the attitude of cheerful service and the thought that if Mike can do it, so can he. He has been called out for OA Vigil this summer. Mike is a great inspiration for him, thank you for getting him involved in scouting.
Thanks for making me smile. It is great to be reminded that sometimes our scouts need a nudge. Patches!!! Some things never change.
I made a deal with my son when he joined scouting. I would sew on any award, rank advancement, office that he worked to earn.
Sometimes that got to be a big job.
Especially “patching out” three uniform shirts when he went to jambo in 2001. There were 10 patches on each one that had to be sewn on. But I was proud to do it.
Later after he earned his eagle and came back to the Troop as an assistant scoutmaster he sews on his own patches. In fact he sews on mine as well.
Thanks for your stories and your service to scouting.
I went through Cub Scouts, Weblos and Boy Scouts all the way to Eagle in 1988. After 20 years of being away from Scouting, I came back to my Nephews Pack here in Long Beach, Ca and am now the Pack Committee Chair. I have no son of my own, his dad simply asked if I was interested and I said yes.
Thank You Mrs Rowe for sharing your story,if more mothers would do that,I beleive it would help the program.As an Eagle Scout (1961) and the Father og an Eagle Scout (1983)I beleive in the program and have celebrated my 58 year in the program and fifty year as an Eagle.
As the father of two Eagles, and Scout Leader, I really enjoyed reliving these experiences through your words. What a difference Scouting makes in the lives of young men. Fun with a purpose. No truer words could describe the Scouting experience. Thank you Mrs. Rowe, for sticking with the program and developing Mike into the shy, bashful, introverted TV personality that he is. He has a huge fan following in the Scouting World. You deserve to be proud since your efforts will live on for a long, long time. God bless you and your family!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. As a fan of the adult Mike that we have all come to know it is great fun to get a glimpse “behind the scenes” at his younger days.
I have been a scoutmaster for over 30 years and had the honor of seeing many young men move through the troop and on to success as adults, including my own son-in-law. I am now enjoying scouting with my two grandsons and serving alongside their dad. I plan to share your story with them and other troop members who are fans of Mike’s.
You have much to be proud of as a parent and scouter. Bless you and your family.
JP (Jim) Towhey
Troop 129 Tucker Ga.
Your expectations of being involved as a scout mom was the same as mine- a “scout’s” mom…drop off and come back later to pick him up. I’m now Assistant Cubmaster and Assistant Den Leader for my sons Webelo den. Way more involved than expected and way more fun also! Both my sons are Cub Scouts and hopefully attain rank of Eagle Scout someday.
I also have 3 boys (11-13-15)in scouts, they went through the cub scouts and are now boys scouts. I have been a leader for Tigers, Wolfs and Bears, and now back to Tigers. My husband works with the Webelos. Two of the older boys are in the OA, the last one will be next year. WE charish our weekends alone and the week away also. We plan our weekends to do something adult wise with the boys weekend away. They have not missed any camping trips, they love it. Your words are encouranging, and I hope my boys will make it to Eagle as well. They are on their way.
And yes, I sew on all those badges as well. I also had the experience of my daughter in girl scouts, who is now 22. my grandson will be 4 soon, I can’t wait for him to join cub scouts. What the fun they both will have.
Dee
What a wonderful story! My son, Kevin Clift, just earned his Eagle rank and his Eagle ceremony is this Saturday. I can not tell you what an honor it has been to be apart of 10 years of Scouting. It has been such an amazing journey of watching all these little babies grow into responsible young men! My son has taken his Scouting experience and continued with the volunteer aspect, spending more than 170 hours the past year, donating his time with our local town park and recreation department, in addition to the 104 hours he spent on his Eagle project. Scouting has taught him to give first then receive. I am going to be so sad to not be apart of these young mens lives on a weekly basis, but what I have gained as a Scouting Mother, will never be forgotten! Thank you Peggy for sharing your story, it was wonderful to learn that Mike was an Eagle, and it will be something that I share with everyone this weekend at Kevins ceremony! Thank yoU!
Hi Mrs. Rowe,
I enjoyed reading this. I have been involved in the BSA since 1971, and I’m starting to slow down a little. My time has been spent in Alabama and now Georgia. I have been to three Jamborees 1997 visitor, 2001,2005 as a Staff member. I WOULD not change anything I have done in Scouting. It has been a fantastic ride.
Thank you for your story on Mike.
Greg
I have a 10 year old who loves scouting, I just got home from our first day of day camp, running the crafts.. I have held the positions of assistant den leader, awards chair and committee chair.. so much for an hour a week and those iron on patches don’t work, eventually you have to sew them anyway, but it is all worth it.. Seeing my son become more responsible and interact with his piers is priceless!!!
Mrs. Rowe,
I too sew badges and patches on multiple uniforms. With two Cub Scouts, a Junior Girl Scout, a Cubmaster, and my own uniform, my sewing machine has a permanent spot on my kitchen floor (so I can put it up on the table to sew.) And not all of the patches are “iron-on” and you still have to secure them with needle and thread!
My sons and my daughter are HUGE fans of Mike and Dirty Jobs and I can’t say I’m surprised to hear that he’s a Scout. Bless you and your husband for having the courage to encourage/push your son to try something new and for your service.
Thank you Mrs. Rowe for your wonderful words about Scouting. Lots of people are mislead about it. My son, Carl was one of 13 boys that acheived the Eagle Scout rank while under my husband Paul’s Scoutmaster guidance. We are very proud of our Troop 264 from Griffith, IN. Scouting has come a long way and we heard they might take bugaling and music merit badges out of the book, which is too bad. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Mike does a great job on his show and he needs to put out an album..that man can sing!!! The Elsner Family.
I tell Cub Scouts to stay in Scouting because if they become a Boy Scout they could become President of the United States like Gerald Ford or be like Mike Rowe on Dirty Jobs. I ask them which would they rather be…President of the U.S. like Gerald Ford or do dirty jobs like Mike Rowe…99% of the time they pick Mike!
Thank you for sharing your story. My son recently received his Eagle at 13 1/2. We are so proud of him. A question if I may. He sent Mike an invitation in hopes of receiving a letter, but that was 4+ months ago. We know he is very busy but could someone check for me? It would mean alot to my son! His Name is Travis Freybler from Dorr, Michigan.
Thanks
My son Ian is three weeks away from going to the National Youth Leader Training, (what we call White Stag), and one week away from Summer camp. He just turned 14 and is Star Rank. Do you remember how old Mike was when he got his Eagle Rank?
LOVE IT!!! I was a girl scout and an explorer scout also in the Baltimore area, I remember camping at Broadcreek and bicycling the C&O Canal from Cumberland Md to DC. Scouting is an AWESOME organization that I am proud to have my son part of. He is entering his 2nd year of webelos and his brother will be starting out as a Tiger Scout. I gave up on the sewing of patches and use fabric glue, Works great. Our Famliy loves to watch Mike!!
What a wonderful story!
My husband and I have one Eagle Scout, and one beginning his Eagle Project now.
I, too, had the same ideas of Scouting and am now a committee member, and my husband an assistant scoutmaster. We have spent the last several years spending “one hour a week” (yeah, right) with Scouting. I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Not even after yesterday, when they returned from a weekend campout (teaching new scouts)wet, sweaty and very smelly.
What an awesome experience, not only for the Scout, but the entire family. Congratulations to all Eagle Scouts, and keep up the good work to all those still working their way to Eagle.
Good Luck!
Thanks for sharing. My wife and I have four boys and as many, Scouting was a way to get our boys out doors and involved in other things besides video games. We have had some great adventures with our boys from hiking 21 miles in the Cumberland Mountains to caving to summer camp in Canada.
Three of our boys have joined the military – Tim our oldest is in the Navy in Japan on a Destroyer. Tim is a Sonar Tech. Tim only made the rank of life but he is an Eagle Scout in our eyes.
Eric our second born is also in the Navy in Japan serving on an aircraft carrier. Eric is an aviation ordnance man. Eric is our first of two Eagle Scouts. Tim and Eric are both in the same Fleet and Strike Group. Jeff our third son and our second Eagle Scout is in the National Guard and a student at Western Kentucky University. And our third son Travis is still active in scouts and getting ready for summer camp. They are heading to Camp Rainy Mountain in Georgia.
I believe without scouting our boys would not be the men they are today. I encourage those who have boys in scouts to get involved and go places with your troop and boys. And if your not involved or your sons not evolved do so, you won’t regret it. Scouting has become a way of life for us and we have enjoyed it greatly.
My son is a Sr Webelos this year and I’m a pack leader as well as a district trainer. I have just as much fun as the scouts do and they teach me just as much as I teach them.
I love your story thank you for sharing it with us. You speack out of the bottom of my heart
Dear Mrs. Rowe,
What a great story! I’m sure that Mike’s willingness to do a dirty job now stems from his experiences in Scouting and your willingness to do things with him in Scouts. I truly believe that Scouting is the very best youth organization in the world and it does quite a bit for parents as well. Also, I think we’re related, my mother was a ROWE in upper Michigan. Small world hey?
In Scouting,
Joel Clark
Eagle Father 2007
I have 3 boys in scouts and a husband. My oldest asked his step dad to start a troop in our community. Without a second thought he begun the paperwork. It was wonderful to see my husband ~ their step dad ~ take that step to be closer to his step son(s). I’m on the troop committee so I understand the family commitment. My oldest son is working towards his Eagle. Middle son is working on 1st class and our youngest is a wolf. I’m so proud of my husband for taking that step to help his step sons (and the community boys). The boys in our troop are like family. We’re knowing as “Momma” and “Papa” By the boys AND their parents. My husband has said “If it keeps 1 boy from heading to trouble it was all worth it”. The week of camps….so peaceful and the smells and sounds of them coming home are wonderful too!!! By the way…. we DON”T iron our badges and patches. ALL sewn on!!! Wouldn’t have it any other way. Grandma has been labeled as the troop sewer. And she LOVES her title!
Peggy, that was an awesome article. I too am a cub scout mom, I am also the pack secretary and on the fund raising committee so I know all the hard work all of us parents put into this so the boys can have a great experience. My son is in Webelos 2 and loves all the activities, his favorite is camping – hot or cold, sunny or rainy (though I prefer sunny). We keep telling the boys of all the great presidents, astronauts and such that were in scouts and especially made it all the way to Eagle, we are hoping that will keep them motivated. I know that I would love to be able to send my son to more camps but even with all our fundraising it’s still a big commitment from parents (esp single parents like me) but I try hard to get him to all the activities available. Thanks again for the inspiring article. By the way my son loves your son’s show – he is a discovery show addict even at age 10.
Lori & Logan
Peggy, Thank you for sharing this great story, and for your dedicated support of the Boy Scouts. As a father and Scoutmaster myself, it is inspiring to watch these young men growing and learning and how the program helps them to be better men and better citizens.
Great story Peggy . My Daughter a singal parent raising a 6yr old little boy has become a Den mother for a real little group in a little town. She has really become a better mother just by becoming a Den mother , and we do need more of that.
I sent out & shout out for surport every day. Can drives, cleaning lawns, any more ideals. I want to sent these little guys to camp, we need surport. Thank you for the story
Peg,I just read the scouting blog and was so proud of you and your stories THE’RE GREAT!!!!!!!
Hi Peggy, I’m so glad you shared Mike’s times in Scouting and provided a venue for others to do the same. I’ve been in Scouts since back in 1966 and am a leader in our Troop. I also have two sons who are Eagle Scouts and both are now Assistant Scoutmasters in our Troop. As with Mike, they did not want to be in Scouting until they went to camp or started their first fire or cooked on the coals it produced.
Needless to say, they grew to love what they were doing and were proud to earn each rank along the path to Eagle Scout. And yes my wife and I have had holes in our fingers from sewing the patches on!!
The scouts helped raise my son. He knew it wasn’t the”in thing” to be a scout but often said it was what he needed. He is now a marine scientist with NOAA. Several years after he went to work with NOAA he asked his boss why he chose him for the job. His boss told him that he had two identical candidates, the only difference was that my son was an Eagle Scout and that is why he got the job. He and I will always be thankful for the men who gave their time and energy to help turn boys into men.
Scouting is a wonderful thing in a young boys life. It helps him grow up to be a great man. I am 23 years old I started Scouting in first grade as a Tiger Cub. I went through all the ranks and eventually earned my Eagle Scout. I worked at our local Boy Scout Camp for 4 summers and loved every minute of it. I got to meet new scouts and make new friends. After turning 18, I became an Assistant Scoutmaster with the troop and still work with them. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
once upon a time ago i was a scout leader in edmonton alberta. my then husband conned me into it.. granted yes it was a blast..
when i moved home to haida gwaii in 1996 i was conned into being a scout/cub leader as they found out I had experience… and from edmonton to here.. i have noticed a huge diference in teachings.. and even how things where..
i still had all of the books and stuff.. and the boys and girls here where not taught the ways of the real scouting.. so i started to teach them.. i took them fishing and taught them basic wilderness skills. basic safety etc etc..
by the time i got pregnant with my daughter.. i had seen 2 groups grow up.. well 2 and a half.. and the boys/girls learned respect.. wich they where not being taught at the time.. they learned that there is more to life then video games and tele . they learned that haida gwaii has more to offer then what they believed.
scouts canada is a great thing for the youth.. it helps the younger understand that the wilderness is not all scarey and wild, it is fun and one can learn a lot.. scouts canada can teach so much to our youth. and it is a ‘family’
it makes me happy hearing that there is still old fashion teachings in scouting and guiding.. it makes me happy to know that children still are not all caught up in tele,internet and games.. as the internet is a huge lure as is the tele and vid games.
now comes my daughter. she is been in guides/jaada time for last few years.. and she so enjoys it.. but she also enjoys what i teach her from the scout books[i still have them] as guides/jaada time does not teach the old ways.. it is all prim and propper arts and crafts, nothing like what i am use too:/ and they dont enforce teachings of respect or the scout law er guide law or motto.. my daughter has her books still and it is almost exsactly like scouts..
so …IS the scouting/guiding organization failing? going lenient? or is it just some places?
my daughter and I do a lot of outdoors stuff , fishing and camping. real camping in a tent with a camp fire:P and a latrine.lol no electric heating or cabbins or plumbing etc etc.lol
my daughter and I do lots of beach walks [we live on an island 100 miles from mainland] when her dad was alive.. we all enjoyed the beach and fishing.
scouting/guiding use to be there for the kidlets… and taught all of that.. ‘always be prepared’how can one always be prepared when being prepared is not taught any more?
I still get my cubs/scouts coming up to me all these years later hahahaha boy are they all grown up now:/ asking me about certain things. some of them even want to get a little reunion together and go fishing on the tlell river .. or go camping at the yakoun…
so impressions both ways… adults to youth and youth to adults.. scouting/guiding is important i believe still. as it still teaches a lot of basics..
iron on patches? say what?:O when did that all happen?.hehehe
and I am rambling……i think you guys would of like that I did not figure out how i got linux to work on this site after all.
ok i will shush up
long live scouting/guiding! the old fashions way:P
~thekaro aka sherrylyn~
To all of the Scouts and parents who have read, ‘Yea, Boy Scouts,’ my heartfelt thanks! To those of you who have taken the time to share comments, let me say, I continue to read each and every one with great pleasure. Your heartwarming and sometimes humorous remarks have reminded me what a powerful force Scouting is in the lives of so many.
Peggy Rowe
loved this story. my son is 6 and a tiger cub. he was all excited when he found out that mke was a scout. my two boys 6 & 4 and dirty jobs is one of their favorite shows. my 6 yr old wanted to be mike for halloween A few years ago. did mike earn the eagle rank my 6 yr old keeps asking me this. i can very well relate to your story already. even though my son is just starting i have a 15 yr old brother so im already completely involved in cub scouts. thanks for the wonderful story. i will be sharing it with my son when he gets home from school. like i said before i think my kids are some of his biggest fans. they can even tell his voice. anything that has mike or his voice is just like gold to them.
Mrs. Rowe, I can relate with every piece of your story. I have two sons, both of them are Eagle Scouts. But the part about the week of summer camp, “quiet, peaceful, self-indul-
gent week”, never happened for me. I always went and camped for that week with the boys and other leaders. I was referred to as “MOM” by most of the boys even years down the road. I loved every minute of it. Both of my boys started their scouting career as Tiger Cubs and went all the way through to Eagle Scout and their 18th birthday. I am one proud mother as would their father be if he were still here. We lost him to cancer when the boys were 15 and 10. I thank scouting for helping me raise and shape my boys into men!
Cherie D.
Peggy,
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful true-to-life story. This is even more special as it is the 100th anniversary of scouting.
My son and his den are about to embark on their new journey with the boy scouts after being in cub scouts for 5 years together. It has not only been a rewarding experience to watch my own son grow with scouting, but to also see the other boys in his den grow as individuals as well.
Thanks for positive visual you present for the Scouting organization.
Great story, thanks so much for sharing…. one thing I can offer to you is this…. I work for the emblem company who makes all the BSA emblems that are sold by scout shops to councils, and they are still not iron on!! So take pleasure in knowing that there are still moms all over the country with sore fingers. Now there are some companies that do “iron on” and there is always “badge magic” but the “real deal BSA emblems” are still sew on. Thanks for all your support to BSA……
Greetings, Mrs. Rowe!
Like your son, I am an Eagle Scout, as is my father and brother. Like you, my mother has been a Den Mother, and has bemoaned the lack of a Sewing Merit Badge, as she has decorated the uniforms of “her boys.”
While now adults (arguably), my brother and I are still involved with the troop, as is Dad and Mum; Scoutmaster and Chartering Organization Rep./Commissioner, respectively. Since he became Scout Master in the 1980′s, my father has overseen many others strive for their Eagle. They are out there, and, frequently, some will swing by during a meeting to say hello when passing through the area.
I want to thank you and your son for helping to popularize the Scouting Movement. With many of the “famous” folks out there that the youth look up to, it is great to have a few who hold their heads high and say “Yes, I was a Scout (AM an Eagle Scout), and it was great, and it still helps me to this day!”
The leadership skills, and life skills (most of your first-aid experience come from patching up yourself) never go out of style.
I also applaud your not shying away and giving a well meaning nudge. My father will tell you, at every Eagle Court, that behind every Eagle Scout is a parent with a steel toed shoe to provide some incentive every now and then. Usually when it comes to the paperwork!
Happy Trails!
Kilroy
Thanks for the wonderful article which most of us can relate to — having been a Den Mother, etc. Fortunately for us, my husband has been involved with two sons who are 11 years apart in age….so once one ended Scouts, he started all over again with Tigers! He actually did two rotations as Scoutmaster too! He recently passed on the baton to another as Scoutmaster but is not involved in many District committees! Our youngest son just earned his Eagle and what made this so wonderful is that he’s autistic but he did it!
Relative to badges, I didn’t find sewing them on as bad as changing some of the other badges that yearly needed to be changed…..and everytime someone grew out of their uniform, moving them from one shirt to another! But as we all know, it’s part of the process to helping our children become confident young men with some outstanding skills and talents!
Debs
Mrs. Rowe — just last night I entered the TV room and found my husband sewing patches on my son’s newest Scout shirt. You’ve got to love a man who will pull out the sewing machine and get the job done! My son is right on track to follow his Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather as an Eagle Scout!
Ms. Rowe,
As an Eagle Scout (1978), and a Scout parent and now life time volunteer, I thank you for the dedication you and your husband showed to all your sons in the program, many parents think BSA stands for Baby Sitters of America, the program works best when families are involved. Now that my son is 19 and has moved on I still am and always will be a Scout. and by the way Happy 100th BSA!!!!
Williamm White
Eagle Scout 1978
Why, Scouting is only one or two hours a week. What could be so hard about that? (Said the Mom who became leader of the Wolves, then Bears and now Webelos and whose husband who will be pack leader next year.) Onward and upward! Yea! Scouting!
Thanks for the true to life- my son brought home a flyer regarding Tiger Cubs- and being the mother of a son and wife to an Irish man (he grew up on a farm with brothers and didn’t know anything about what American kids do) I went off to the meeting and was told there “Well we will need you to be a den leader or else we can’t take your son” I signed up and convinced another mother from his Kindergarden class to sign up as well(mind you this was for the following September) and here we are 10 1/2 years later still in Scouting. Both my son and I are involved in By Scouts,Venturing, Camping and the OA. My daughter and i joined Girl Scouts but it isn’t the same (I can’t believe how many women are afraid of dirt). I am a cub scout leader trainer for our local council and believe me everyone needs to be trained or else its a baptism by fire.
This year is the 100th Anniversary of BSA. Thank you to all those who came before and I will certainly give a hand to those following behind. As the Bridging ceremony from Cubs to Boy Scout says “The river of knowledge flows down from the top to those coming up the ranks.”
For the life of me, I cannot get those darn patches to iron on! I sew everyone on, you would think I would get a thinmble as I poke my finger everytime. There is something emjoyable about the sewing and the patch that is not quite straight! It is nice to see someone like Mr, Rowe come from scouting and what a gentleman he turned it. A great role model for scouting.
Dear Mrs Rowe:
I am living in your footprints. I have two boys who are now teen-agers (15 and 16 years old). Your words are well-spoken. Boy Scouts has opened a world of adventures and oportunities that my husband and I just could not provide – “No way am I skiing down that slope!”, “We’re sleeping out here?! It’s 4 degrees!” I just don’t think we could teach in a positive manner the life-lessons scouts provides. Boy Scouts is an enriching way of life.
I, too, am proud when I see my boys earning merit badges and privately hang my head in self-pity as I reach for the sewing kit. Ouch.
The first time my husband and I re-learned each other was when the boys spent the summer working/volunteering at Boy Scout camp. Four weeks of re-learning and tuning into each other. It was wonderful. Thanks to Boy Scouts.
My husband and I have needed to learn a great deal about scouting to help direct the boys. And, here we are counseling and learning more.
My boys are self-driven to become Eagle Scouts and life is a blur of activity. The younger boy is staying right up with my older boy. They turned Life Scouts within two days of each other. Yes, after my younger son told me of his new rank, his next statement was, “They are trying to drown me in Lifesaving.” Being miles away from him, and hearing him say those words over the phone, as a Mom, I wondered if I should be worried. Hmmmm.
It appears they will make Eagle nearly the same time. Yes, both boys doing different projects at the same time! It appears they will make Eagle this 100th year of Boy Scouting in Ameriac. The Lord has already provided the joy and confidence through scouting, now Lord, give me strength!
Mrs. Rowe thank you for your wonderful story of Mike and his brothers.It makes me think about my parents growing up and the sacrifices they made especially our daddy. My daddy draged us all around North Carolina just so he could coach my oldest brother Brian in baseball. It paid of though he was one of the best players in high school and was giving a chance to play professional;but decided to stay home.
We lost our daddy on New Years Eve in 1999 we miss him daily and love to remember those days.Thank you again I hope to read more of your storys;this is my first time here.
WOW…you just desribed my life! I love that my son is in scouting and I love that my husband and I are sharing this experience with him! He just received the rank of Life and is on the trail to Eagle. I think it’s so great that he enjoys and respects Mike and will soon share an important accomplishment with him.
Thanks so much
Thanks for a great post – it was passed along by one of my son’s former Scout Masters & reminds me of a Broad Creek memory of my own.
The first year that we sent my son Evan off to camp for a week we sent him with two pairs of Boy Scout socks and many pairs of sport socks. Upon his return I was appalled that the sport socks were still in pristine condition … because, although not required, Evan wanted to wear his uniform socks, exclusively, while at camp. Talk about a smelly post-camping Mom experience!!
Incidentally, Evan received his Eagle Award last month!
May I second that?! – YEA, Boy Scouts!
Peggy,
Thanks for sharing your experiences as a Scouter. I, too have two sons in Scouts. My oldest is an Eagle Scout and my youngest is on his way to becoming one. Scouting is for life. It teaches boys so many wonderful things.
A wonderful account.
Scouting has been a central place in my own life and now I’ve come full circle with my boys in the Pack where I am Cubmaster.
Recently at a Pack meeting I handed out the patch for the BSA’s 100th Anniversary program. Before handing the patches to the boys in the Pack I offered a brief history. I got to the list of famous Eagles. Read the customary folks, most of who seemed like ancient history to these 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 year old boys. Then I asked whether any of them have ever watched “Dirty Jobs” and every hand went up with excitement. I said, “Mike Rowe is an Eagle Scout.”
The BSA has been and will continue to be relevant for our society today.
We need to see and hear more positive accounts about the scouting experience.
Yours in Scouting,
Peter
P.S. I, too, offer full disclosure about parent involvement level. This past year at Pack School Night I made the “1 hour a week” flyer for parents mysteriously disappear and spoke that for each 1 hour den meeting at least takes 2 hours of planning.
Reading your story reminds me of my Girl Scout days and my brother’s Cub Scout days. My mother, bless her heart, took on the Brownies and the Cub Scouts. I have to admit that I really enjoyed being the only girl (even if I was only 6 years old) in my brother’s Den. The Girl Scouts helped me to overcome my shyness. Mrs. Rowe, I’d like to thank you for your participation in your sons adventures. My own mother must have reaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllly loved us to take on such and enormous task. Mike, Scott and Phil are lucky to have you.
Thank you for raising such a fine son I feel like the man on T.V is the real deal not some actor.you have done a great job
Peggy, That was a wonderful story and it brought back many memories of Scouting – both Boy and Girl Scouting. You know a lot about our family, as we were all in the same Troop. My husband, Bill, was a Boy Scout in Conn. and became an Eagle Scout. He remainded active in Boy Scouting for over 50 years, as he worked in the troop and in the district. Scouting was his passion, and he was proud that all three of his sons, and two of his grandsons received the Eagle Badge. Our second son, Steve, is a pilot, and is as active as he can be in the Troop. His son is just about ready to start his climb to Eagle Scout. My daughter became a Girl Scout and I became an Assistant Leader. That was quite a bit different then an Assistant Cub Scout leader. I enjoyed all of our camping trips. One trip to the Great Falls camp with the girls was quite a trip. It rained hard most of the time, but we managed to plant a tree in the mud, and had mud up to our knees. The important thing was, we camped the whole weekend while my husband and boys had to leave their scouting weekend to come back home. The fact that they were trying to canoe didn’t make us stop proclaiming that WE camped the whole weekend. There was quite a bit of competition bewteen Boy and Girl Scouting in our family. Our oldest son was priviledged to spend a week canoeing in the boundry waters between the United States and Canada with Scouts from other troops. He remembers the waters were so clear that they just drank the water from the lakes as they canoed. They were also so proud of themselves the night they made a blueberry pie from fresh picked blueberries for a Girl Scout Troop that was camping overnight on the same island! He also spent one summer as a Boy Scout guide on the Potomac River. Our second son was priviledged to spend time Hiking at Philmont in New Mexico. That also was quite an adventure with afteroon thunder showers almost every day. Our third son received his Eagle and then entered the Parris Island Marine Training Facility in South Carolina. He mentioned many times that being a Scout helped him through that training. I can’t say enough about Scouting. I hope that every boy and girl can experience at least a bit of all the wonderful experiences that Scouting offers and all the enjoyment that they, and their parents, can have.
Ms. Rowe:
I’m an Eagle from Troop 998 in Alexandria (R.I.P) and I was Scoutmaster of Troop 417 in Richmond Virginia for 25 years. My son came up thru that troop and is also an Eagle. One of the first things I taught my Scouts to do was to sew on their own patches, even the iron on ones. The iron on thing is great for putting them in the right spot but over time the dryer will melt off the glue. And I could tell who did the sewing. Ragged misaligned stitches were what I was looking for, but by the time they were advanced in rank, I would tell them to make it nice, and suggest that they do it over again.
There were only 4 years that I was not active in scouting since 1963, and they were the 4 I was in college.
About the driving being an intrusion into your life (I learned this from a Girl Scout Master (no really I did)): The parents are the gate keepers for the activities of their children. If the parents find value then the kids will make it there. We need to convince parents that this is something valuable for their children now and that it will hold that value well into the future. In my work world I know of several people that stopped at Life or Star and whish it was in their power to rectify that shortcoming.
Congratulations on your accomplishment.
Brian, Troop 717 (we redistricted and had to change our number, but that’s another story)
My younger son is about to receive his Eagle award and my older son got his back in 2005. Scouting has meant alot to both of them. I have written to the suggested government officials for citations but they are not impressed. What they both really want is a note from Mike! They are both big fans and the standards of hard work that Mike promotes really strikes home with both of them. Any help in getting a note from Mike would be appreciated.
signed,
A proud mother!
I spent many years in scouting statring out in cub scouts and working my way to becoming an eagle scout and on to an asst. scoutmaster and then to a scoutmaster some time later but what I learned in the scouts no school could ever teach me and I would not take one minute back I loved the outtings and meetings and the sewing of the patches but what mike does I respect him for that.
Thank you for a wonderful story from a Mom’s perspective. Brought back lots of memories of my Scouting journey from Bobcat to Eagle and the roles my parents had in that success. I had no idea how many doors Scouting would open for me througout my life, or how much of my attitudes and capabilities would be shaped by my Scouting journey.
Back in 1954, Mom showed me how to sew on patches. She did the hard ones, like the shoulder patches. By 1960 I had learned well, and took pride in sewing those merit badges on my sash. While there was a Catholic troop in my little home town, he insisted that I join the troop sponsored by the Methodist Church. I was the only Catholic in a Protestant troop — you can imagine how dicey and uncomfortable that was initially for me back in the early 1960s. But Dad worked with the Scoutmaster and knew the impact of good leaders on successful Scouts.
Dad was always there for me when I needed a little help, advice, guidance. He provided me my Scouting uniforms and gear; he taught me things, helped me build things, let me stretch my wings.
Mom taught me how to clean my camping gear, pack my change of clothes in dry bags, and to take extra underwear. She made the best goodies for me to take on our camping trips.
All that you said that your sons learned from Scouting goes for me as well. I made it to Eagle primarily because of one person, my Scoutmaster, Mr Gene Pierce.
When I earned my Eagle in 1966, our troop honor court was held in the back lunchroom of our local VFD. No fancy decorations, or letters from politicians, or CD/DVD slide shows, or speeches by important people. Just a simple ceremony that is seared into memory even to this day.
All the really important people were there, Mr. Pierce, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and my fellow Scouts/friends.
In 1964 Dad made it possible for me to attend the National Jamboree at Valley Forge, VA. What an amazing experience for a young boy who never left his little home town except twice a year to go to Richmond to see the pediatrician and to help procure the family Christmas tree at Sears outdoor lot. I even got to see a President of the United States –from way back in the outdoor amphitheater.
In 1965 Dad arranged for me to travel from my little home town in eastern Va to Philmont with a provisional crew of complete strangers. Not a problem; Scouts make friends fast. Grandpa helped a lot with the money. My first train ride from Richmond, Va to Colo Springs. I’m an AMTRAKer today and have ridden on that California Zephyr route several times now. We had to take buses from Colo Springs to Raton because all the tracks were washed out in the great storm of 1965. Philmont was the greatest adventure of my youth. And it was because my parents were like you.
God bless all of you parents of Scouts. God bless all of you who volunteer as leaders. You have no idea of the good that you do for those young boys and girls who start out on the Scouting journey — and the good you do for our nation in growing, shaping, and forming the great Americans our Scouts become.
Mrs. Rowe, I have 3 sons also,two made Eagle and the third lost interest as a Star scout. While I did my share of sewing, our troop requires the scout to sew them himself. One scout even have needel and thread at summer camp. He proudly left the bus wearing his new badge, then passed around the thread to other scouts. Leadership at the ground level.
This was a great story—it catapulted me right back to 1971. My mom, too, had offered herself up as a Cub Scout Den Mother, and I have vivid memories of me and my sisters watching from the sidelines as our older brother and the rest of them tackled the various projects. We were jealous, of course, and this went on for years—the camping, the hiking, the banquets. But one of my most favorite memories involved all of us girls “helping” my dad teach my brother the Boy Scout oath. The phrase, “On my honor…” still gets me. My brother is no longer with us, but as an honorable man, a great person, and an aviator in the US Navy, the oath he took back then, stuck. So thank you very much for your sacrifice—it’s great that you not only impacted your sons’ lives, but that you impacted the other boys’ lives as well! So, YEA, Den Mothers!
What a wonderful read of joining in your son’s activities in Scout’s. I have many memories of Girl Scouts & FFA and my brothers in Scouts. I tried with all my might to get our children in Scouts to no avail. I did accomplish them being in 4-H and then FFA. I always reply when asked how we raised two well adjusted young adults. I had a little help from two of the four best organizations for children in the US, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H and FFA. All four organizations encourage leadership, following through on a project or badge, pride in country and most of all being an upstanding citizen of our country. I remember thinking when firstborn, our daughter, arrived, ‘My dreams and my life is on hold to make sure my children are loved, happy and well adjusted children.’ Within a couple of years I realized my life wasn’t on hold, my dreams and life just changed for the better. I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for the miles hauling animals and not just my kids but many others around to shows, the time, and the commitment I made so many years ago for the kids with 4-H and FFA!
I knew that your boys will enjoy Boy Scouts because I am in Boy Scouts and Boy Scouts is totally awsome !!! I liked going on camping trips. Also I am going to Jamboree in 2010 for sumer camp. I hopr your boys keep enjoying Boy Scouts.
As the mother of an Eagle Scout scouting has transformed my son to a man. He now works every summer at boy scout camp and still loves scouts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I watch Mike often on TV and enjoy the youthful humor coupled with sincere desire to see the “dirty” side of life. Now knowing that he is a Scout helps me understand why I like him.
Like you, I made a commitment to my two sons that as long as they were involved and wanted me there also, I would be there. Little did I know (You called it “silly me”)how deep a commitment that would be for both my wife and me, but it was extremely well worth it. The first year my wife was a Den Mother. The next year I was the Cub Master, and we went from 7 boys to over 40 in a couple of weeks because we did a Rain Gutter Regatta. The word spread that we were “cool,” and the ranks grew.
Cub Master, Webelos Leader, Committee member, and Scout Master – I did all of that. As the Scout Master I always had a kick off meeting in the Fall, parental attendance required. I made it a point to tell them that I know of no other organization in this country better for a one-on-one interaction with their sons in a non-threatening environment. We did boy stuff and learned life skills they possibly would never be exposed to elsewhere. Many times I would have a Scout say to me, “I didn’t know my Dad would crawl in the mud or sleep in a tent or cook over a fire, or, or, or,” and the barriers would fall. Dad’s became buddies. Boys became men. We learned/taught a lot and had fun.
Both of my sons made Eagle Scout. One is now doing a fairly clean job as the IT Director for a company in Knoxville, TN. The other son is serving in the U.S. Army based in Germany. The first son, during an interview for a part time job during college, mentioned he was an Eagle. Interview over. The job was his. The other son called the night before his induction into the Army and told me he needed me to bring his Eagle Certificate. Why? It was an immediate rank advancement. Before he took the oath, he went from an E1 to an E2.
Yes, it is a wonderful organization that serves well for the balance of the Scout’s life. The only regret I have is that it is now behind me! I will, however, watch Mike in a different light in the future……..and smile!
Thank you for a great article. You not only reinforce the excellence of the Scouting program, you remind parents of a couple things. First, it is okay to give that little push that moves our children outside of their comfort zone. They might just find their “nitch”.
Second, as parents it is vitally important that we stay engaged and participate along with our children in activities. There is no better way to show how important something is than to be a participant ourselves!
Always such a delight to read your stories. I too, sewed many patches, but it was well worth each stitch. Scouting is such a wonderful activity for kids to get involved in and I hope more kids will be inspired by your article.
Mike didn’t like being the center of attention, really??
Dear Peggy,
You have written another wonderful article that I’m sure all the Dirty Jobs fans will enjoy as well as anyone who has ever been involved in scouting either as a scout or a leader. My experiences are similar although with Girl Scouts. I grew up in scouting and when I had a daughter of my own I became first a Brownie leader, then a Junior, Cadette and Senior leader, advancing with my daughter. When she got into high school and became involved in sports and other school activities she gave up scouting in favor of those things, but I remained a leader for several more years. The most rewarding thing happened a few years ago when one of my former scouts excitedly introduced me to her little Brownie as her Brownie and scout leader. It made me feel old, but very proud to see how happily successful this young Mom was and that the scouting tradition was being carried forward. I could tell many horror stories of camping trips gone bad, but equally as many happy and rewarding tales. Thanks for the memories!
Ann C. , Baltimore Maryland
P. S. I too sewed many badges, so I can relate! Even though I had only one, not three scouts, I frequently found myself offering to sew badges on for some of my girls whose parents could or would not do it for them. The advantage of Girl Scouts is that once they reach Cadette level they are able to sew on their own badges.
Thank you for the lovely article, Mrs. Rowe. My two boys are in scouts, and I hope they will stick with it for the long haul. It’s great when the boys are learning and having fun at the same time. Heck, I’ve even learned how to tie a bowline and a figure eight knot!
Oh, and I don’t want to discuss patches. *shivers*
Thanks again,
Dani
You’ve raised an awesome son. He is intelligent, witty, resourceful, and I love watching him on television. I have two sons myself, 30 & 28, and I just want to say “Way to go, mom!”
Mrs. Rowe, I always enjoy your writing. It’s easy to see where Mike gets his personality and talent from. I am a scout mom too. It is alot of work with a lot more parent participation than we expected! There is still a lot of sewing! We really enjoy the whole scouting experience, but sometimes have to run for the hills to avoid becoming consumed by our pack’s activities! But it’s great fun and I think it is teaching our boys to be responsible, well rounded boys – well it seems to have worked for Mike!
Thanks Mrs.Rowe for that awesome story. My mother grew up with mike and and graduated with him and i have heard many stories of scouting fun they had at broad creek. And according to my mother phil it was that week with the clothes and canoes. But thanks sooo much because mike has been a big role model for me in and outside of scouting. thank you.
Peggy,
Your story is wonderful. It brings back so many fond memories that our boys (and girls) shared with Troop 16. Besides the smelly mess that always came home with them, I think the songs that sang in the shower after a week at Broad Creek will be something I’ll never forget!!
I think that year at Broad Creek was the same year we swamped all the canoes and hid the Scout Masters clothes. I think….
PDRowe
Another wonderful article, Mrs. Rowe. Thank you for sharing with us!
Actually, I’m quite impressed that you actually got all those badges sewn on. Buried in my closet is a bag full of Girl Scout badges (from over ten years ago) that never made it in onto my daughter’s sash. I wonder, though, if Mike could still identify what all his badges were earned for?
And kudos to you and Mr. Rowe for becoming so involved in your sons’ scouting activities. As a leader myself, my biggest complaint was the lack of help we received from the parents of the girls in our troop. I sometimes felt they looked on us as a free baby-sitting service. Trying to get them to help out at meetings or on field trips was like pulling teeth. But, like you, I probably got as much from my scouting experience as my daughter did from hers.
Liz
Good story. I can really see the younger Mike Rowe in every word. Also see the same things exhibited in the Mike Rowe today that were the young teenage Mike Rowe. I love your articles about him as a kid. Thank you.
Very nice article, Mrs. Rowe. Thanks for sharing a few of your precious memories with everyone.
Hard to believe your oldest son didn’t like to try anything new, seeing that he now gets ‘dirty’ at a different job every few days. Bet you never imagined that.
Thanks again.
Dani V
Always love your stories Peggy! You have a gift – thank you for sharing!
Both of my sons are in Scouts. They love it. The older scouts help the younger one. The boys learn leadership skills. They learn to work in a group and plan for future events. They learn to be self sufficient, but are always well supervised. It’s a great preparation for the future.
BTW Mrs. Rowe, the iron on patches don’t work all that well. I still end up sewing them on, but I do use the machine now.