My DS is an Eagle Scout, and we are a super involved Scouting family. He is an active athlete (three varsity sports) and has a part time job as a lifeguard/swim instructor heading into his Junior year. So...busy like everyone else. But this also means almost all of his service and leadership (SPL, Jr Asst Scoutmaster, OA Chapter Chief, NYLT, NAYLE) are within Scouts. He enjoys all of these things - just wondering if we should encourage him to diversify outside of Scouts or if a variety of experiences within Scouts would be viewed positively. Thanks for any insights.
Community Service and Leadership
- Thread starter GLG_20
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The SAs value commitment and dedication when it comes to extracurriculars — quality over quantity. They value Eagle Scouts very much. At least one SA includes Eagle Scouts in its breakdown of activities within the class profile (may be USAFA, but I’m not sure).
There are those who are serial title collectors and club participants. That’s not necessarily a sign of leadership. The leadership that SAs value is when one identifies an issue, devises a solution, rallies others to the cause, and leaves the situation better than they found it.
There are those who are serial title collectors and club participants. That’s not necessarily a sign of leadership. The leadership that SAs value is when one identifies an issue, devises a solution, rallies others to the cause, and leaves the situation better than they found it.
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BuckeyeDad20
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Do more outside of scouts if your DS wants to explore other interests - pretty much the only reason. USAFA doesn't really care about service hours either so its about experiences that develop his leadership and demonstrate that he would be a good leader and teammate.
IMHO, NYLT leadership (ASPL or better SPL) is what your son should pursue, if possible. It’s a huge level of leadership- teaching others to be teachers of leadership and typically represents the zenith of leadership roles within a council. For example, my son was our council’s NYLT SPL and he was asked to organize his senior leadership to present at a Wood Badge session - as it turns out, one in which the area BGO coordinator for USNA was a participant. Have your son look into not just being an NYLT participant but becoming senior staff. SAs understand this as a great example of leadership.
Sounds very similar to my DS. He did branch out into the volunteer Fire Dept because he was interested and it gave him a great opportunity to learn how to be a good follower. Consider LGI for the added teaching / leading experience. I do know the NYLT staff experiences gave him lots to talk about during the interviews. He also earned his Venture Summit Award and was president of the Crew associated with NYLT.