ScoutsUSA.org

Some of Greg Bruner’s most cherished memories with his sons were made during camping trips with the Boy Scouts.

“It’s a great father-son bonding experience,” Bruner said. “There are so many distractions for kids today, and Scouting provides that opportunity to make cherished memories.”

Bruner’s son Andrew, 18, is an Eagle Scout. Bruner’s son John, who died of a heart condition at 19 in 2007, was also an Eagle Scout.

“My dad was always part of (Scouts),” Andrew said. “I started young. I would go on camp outs with my older brother (John) before I was old enough to be a member.”

Bruner said Boy Scouts “reinforces family and church values,” such as serving others.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. There are a few special events planned nationally, but locally Boy Scout officials are using the anniversary to remind people that Boy Scouts is still a thriving organization.

“We want... to let people know we’re going to be around for another 100 years,” said Bruner, who serves as the Conasauga District chairman of the Boy Scouts.
To commemorate 100 years, “we’re asking all troops to talk to their charter organizations about doing a community service project,” said Daniel Errickson, district executive for the Northwest Georgia Council Conasauga District of the Boy Scouts.

“We want them to do anything the charter organization thinks would be helpful,” Errickson said. “We want to give back to them.

Nationally, there are some larger celebrations planned, Errickson said. There will be some radio and TV commercials airing later this year, he said.

“We want to stay visible all year,” he said. “The 100th anniversary is a big opportunity for us to show we’re just as important to the youth of our country as we always were”.