Isaac is an interesting character.
He has an immense capacity to learn and memorize seemingly
obscure bits of information, but if the information isn’t immediately pertinent
to what he wants to do, he doesn’t bother.
As his father, I’ve seen him use that ability time and again
on topics he’s passionate about – and I’ve seen him ignore that ability when
the passion isn’t there.
That’s one of the reasons I’m thrilled to see him
participate in Scouting.
When he began collecting Scout patches, for example, he
could tell you at a glance what patches were valuable to a collector, and which
could be passed on at patch swaps without a second glance. When we once worried
about whether he’d surrender patches we thought were valuable on a whim, we now
caution those who go to patch swaps with him to be aware he’s a bit of a patch
shark.
When he saw his older brother and sister participate as
counselors in training and then as full counselors at Scout camps in the Grand
Teton Council, he pined to join them – and learned quite a bit about the areas
he wished to work in, even before he was eligible. When he became eligible, he
used his capacity for learning and his passion for Scouting to quickly become a
CIT to be reckoned with.
Scouting gives him focus, gives him the passion he needs to
use his God-given abilities, all the while giving back to those who need to
earn that certain merit badge, or who need a camp counselor they can count on
to work hard where others might slack off or give up.
I’m grateful that Scouting gives him this focus, because as
he sees his focus grow in Scouting, he sees where he can use his focus in his
studies at school, or his efforts to become closer to his family and his God at
home and at church.
I’m grateful for Scouting’s leaders, from Lord Baden-Powell,
the founder of Scouting, to Jeff Fullmer, Isaac’s most recent Scoutmaster, for
first forming a program meant to help boys channel and focus their abilities
into developing newfound passions, and also for helping these boys help others
around them with the passions and knowledge Scouting helps them develop.
Though Isaac tries to deny it, I know he enjoys the
leadership opportunities Scouting has given him. I look forward to watching
Isaac continue to mature as Scouting continues to be a positive shaping
influence on his character. Scouting has done things for Isaac that I alone as
a father could not have done. I heartily recommend Isaac as an Eagle Scout, as
the passion that brought him to this point is his.
Sincerely,
Brian Davidson
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