For most of my 79 years, I have been active in the Boy Scouts. I have observed first hand the benefits of Scouting principles in the lives of young men. I have also observed the problems boys often experience without the opportunity to participate.
I can testify that when good, caring and dedicated leaders touch the life of a boy, his chances of becoming a good husband, a responsible father and a good citizen are greatly increased.
This is true regardless of the boy's racial or ethnic background. Yet we, too, often overlook the needs of minority groups. Some may feel that these boys could not be interested in Scouting and would prefer gangs or friends who often have negative influences on them. Given a proper chance, boys usually make right choices.
I would like to share the success stories of two groups of Hispanic boys in a Scout troop sponsored by the Lucero Ward (Spanish-speaking). The first group's Scoutmaster, DeWitt Sorensen, worked hard to teach his boys the principles and skills of Scouting. Competing with a large number of troops, they won top honors for all around camping excellence at a large camporee.
When DeWitt moved out of town, Jack Dangerfield volunteered to be the Scoutmaster. He diligently worked with 10 boys. Nine of them received their Eagle Scout awards. The 10th was working on his Eagle when he moved back to Central America.
Let's join hands to welcome all boys into the Scouting circle.
Robert H. Burton
Salt Lake City