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Date: June 12, 2001 Re: What's Right in America (Letter to the Editor, The Washington Post) Hi Folks, I thought you might like to read this letter to the editor from last Sunday's Post. Kind of makes you proud to be in Scouting, I think. We're going to have a super Summer Camp! Ted ***** What's Right in America (Letter to the Editor, The Washington Post, Sunday, June 10, 2001) In the two years since I was elected chairman for the Southern Maryland District of Boy Scouts of America, I have witnessed firsthand what's right in America. The counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's have every reason to be proud of their scouting program and the legion of dedicated volunteer adult leaders whose time, talents and energy are the primary reason the program is so successful. It is these caring leaders who are serving as outstanding mentors to youth and are teaching the importance of strong character, moral values and helping others. Lives have been remarkably changed through the positive actions and high values of scouting. Lives have actually been saved through the heroic deeds and quick thinking of a scout who was "prepared." I am exceptionally proud of highly successful quality events hosted by scouters throughout the Southern Maryland District. Gathering of Food for the Needy in all counties, excellent Orienteering Training and Scout Adult Leader Training (SALT) in Calvert County, wonderful Pinewood Derby in Charles County, and outstanding fall and spring camporees in St. Mary's County at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and Greenwell State Park, respectively. I sincerely salute all those devoted selfless volunteer scout leaders, county officials, business leaders and parents for their strong support in these events, which made each a resounding success. Such scouting programs bring families and communities together in a most wonderful, positive way and all the while create memories that will endure for a lifetime. The quality of scouting in our Southern Maryland District is second to none. We have rechartered existing units and chartered new units in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing programs as our district continues to grow. Lately, the Southern Maryland District has had the largest gathering of Eagle Scout recipients in the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. That is testimony to the fact that we have many fine youth growing up within our counties who ascribe to a higher plane of character and moral values as they live their life for their God and their country. Achieving Eagle Scout is no easy task and represents a clear and defining moment in the life of a young man. I attend as many of the Eagle ceremonies as I possibly can and always come away with a great sense of pride about this pinnacle of scouting that consistently garners respect and presentations from churches, schools, county commissioners, state delegates and senators, U.S. representatives and senators, actors, astronauts, notable sports figures and, yes, even the president of the United States of America. The spirit of scouting is alive and well in Southern Maryland thanks to the many wonderful volunteers who care about our youth and our country. Make no mistake about it, scouting, its volunteer leaders, and the youth they serve and help develop into responsible citizens are what is right about America. Al Smith (Waldorf, MD) The writer, Chairman of the Southern Maryland District, Boys Scouts of America, was appointed last month to fill a vacancy on the Charles County Board of Commissioners.
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