Advancement to Second Class!

This past Friday, we had the honor of being present at the Red and White Banquet where my son was promoted to Second Class Scout in his Troop.

Scouts has been part of our family since 1st grade and we love the program and the values it is instilling.  Now that he is in Boy Scouts, there is a distinct shift from family oriented activities to those that build independence, responsibility and self-sufficiency.  Dom bridged from Cub Scouts one year ago this month.  The last year has been such a blur of activity.  Dominic has camped more than he ever has before and has learned some basic cooking techniques, compass skills, knot-tying, hiked for miles at a time and performed in several local service projects.  He also earned Merit Badges for Swimming, First-Aid, Sculpture, Fingerprinting and Art.  He also spend his first camping trip away from home in the mountains over Santa Barbara this last summer and had his first leadership position of Chaplain Aide.  What a year!

We are so proud of his accomplishments.  People usually ask us if he will become an Eagle Scout before his time is over with Scouts.  We can't say what the future holds.  To join Scouting with only the end of the journey in sight takes away from the moment and the focus on what is happening now.  He is an active Boy Scout, he loves his Troop and I am proud of the young man I see developing in front of me.  Enjoy the journey Dom!

Nervous before his promotion, Fen 2013

His old Pack and his new Patrol

O'Neill Regional Park Campout January 2014

Loves camping

Helping to mark veterans graveside with our flag

Every vet gets a salute

Leaving him at camp

Enjoying a camp ice cream

Setting up his first tent

Co-MC of the final campfire

Completed the swimming merit badge

Ready to lead

After his first promotion

Leading his first prayer

Posting flags in town for Memorial Day

Promotion to 2nd Class! Feb 2014

Sister is proud too!