Never Again a boy...but as a Man

This past weekend we were all set to celebrate a man who has given of himself for others. The event was cancelled. The man we were all set to celebrate was again giving of himself for others and would not be able to make it.

This man I speak of is my scoutmaster. This past fall he passed a milestone. 50 young men had attained the rank of Eagle Scout under his watch...young MEN. These were his words as each boy crossed from Cub Scouts into his troop, "I promise you, that from this day forward I will never again treat you as a boy, but as a man." This promise he made to each and ever boy that entered.

My scoutmaster cared for his troop. None of his own children had been in scouts but each week this man spent several hours in service to the young men in his charge. He took us camping, taught us skills for the wilderness and our everyday lives, how to live as men. He even reached into his own pocket to ensure that his scouts made it on camping trips, and had a chance at experiences that would help us grow.

I am one of the 50 whom attained scouting's highest honor. I am blessed to have been given the opportunities I was. Wayne Niccum taught me to be a man...and treated me as such from the first day I entered his troop. Today I refer to that award as my "Eagle Scout Degree". Wayne taught us all life lessons to use beyond the confines of the forest. He taught us to be men...and for that, I will be forever grateful!