Learning is a Two-Way Street

Since the kiddo was in first grade, we have been involved in Scouting.  From Tigers up through Webelos IIs in Cubs and from Scout to Life in Boys Scouts.  I have seen him grow with many of these boys, have seen what they all go through from being excited to camp in the rain to not wanting to get out of bed to even look at a tent.

Last night was a Court of Honor where I watched a boy be recognized and awarded his rank of Eagle.  Two other boys were then called out as being the next two in line for Eagle and we talked about the kiddo who hopes to complete his this year.

These kids, these young men, show such dedication.  While sometimes, it seems like you have to pull them towards the goal line (Eagle in last night's case), they still do it against all odds.  School, sports, theatre, band, girls, whatever it is - they do it.  Many adults couldn't complete a project with the dedication that these young men have.  And let's be honest, while many respect the rank of Eagle, it is hard as a teenage boy to sometimes admit that he puts on a uniform and attends Scouting events, especially as they get older.  It isn't the most popular of things to spend your time doing.

When I got home last night, I had the chance to talk to the kiddo.  One of his buddies told him that he earned his rank of Eagle last week to which the kiddo told him that he hopes to do his project over Thanksgiving.  This Eagle could have asked the kiddo what took so long, could have teased him for being after him, could have said any number of things but you know what he said?  You let me know when you are doing it, I will be there to help out.

Saturday, both the old and young kiddo worked all day with their fellow Jesuit buddies to help raise money for an outreach camp in Africa through the Society of Jesuit.  They organized brackets, recruited teams, played soccer, played with little kids who don't know what it is like to be lucky enough to have more than one pair of shoes.   Again, all of these teenagers could have said they had better things to do, dates, football games, you name it, but they didn't.  They came up to school on Saturday and hung out with those less fortunate and tried to help make their lives a little brighter.

It is easy to forget that teenage boys aren't all smart ass remarks and jokes but I, for one, am learning about how to be charitable and a good human from them as they are from me.  Now to remember that when I would rather smack them upside the head than deal with the attitude one more time...we are all only human after all ;)

Just another Saturday at Jesuit - Men Helping Others
AAOS 2013