Boy Scouts helps youth find future employment

One Eagle Scout learned the true value of the recognition recently while sitting in a second round of interviews for a job that he wanted. The candidate was told that numerous applicants were competing for the position, but his resume had been only average.

“The only reason we’re talking right now is that you are an Eagle Scout,” the interviewer said.

The candidate landed the job, and told his former Troopmaster of how being an Eagle Scout had helped him pursue his career goals, landing his dream position. He said as a child, Boy Scouting kept him engaged in learning and out of trouble, but he hadn’t truly understood the value of the experiences until that job interview.

Boy Scouts, a United Way partner agency, receives critical funding to continue its services to youth in the region as part of the Bartlesville Regional United Way’s focus on education. The United Way board believes that education is the foundation of a successful life. By investing 29 percent of allocated funding in programs that focus on helping children achieve great things, United Way is building a brighter future for the Bartlesville region.

Boy Scouts participate in a variety of activities, from earning a badge for focusing on their personal spiritual journey to budgeting classes to activities that build in STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) components. Over the summer, many Scouts choose to attend camp, where the activities range from learning to properly fold the flag to shooting BB guns to learning to use a bow and arrow. Older teens have the opportunity to participate in Adventure programs, which include backpacking, climbing and a 70 mile canoe trip through the Boundary Waters. One Boy Scout spent time at the Florida Sea Base, where he had the opportunity to catch a 120 pound shark.

“I also met a life-long mentor through Scouting,” that youth said.

Scouting is a proven leadership-building program. A study by Baylor University in 2012 found that Eagle Scouts were more committed to setting and achieving personal, professional and financial goals. In addition, they are more likely to have civic involvement and dedicate time to volunteering than someone who is not an Eagle Scout. 

“United Way is excited to support a program that is proven time and again to be an effective way to build youth into leaders,” Bartlesville Regional United Way Marketing Manager Abigail Singrey said. “We are excited to see how our current Scouts will use these skills in the future.”