Shockwaves went throughout the world when a tornado went through a Boy Scout camp in Iowa.

Who among us has had no contact with that organization during our lifetimes?

And who did not think of our own children in that terrible tragedy which took four young lives?

And marvel at the heroic efforts of those young men who saved their friends?

My son Alex is the Cubmaster of Pack 345 in Sandwich, Illlinois. They had their annual Anniversary campout the weekend before so the news was very close to the bone.

His 30 little boys are between six and eleven years old and have had training at their young age in CPR, first aid and fire prevention.

He sensed the great sadness in this small community and decided to send his kids and their parents a note. I thought I would share it with you.

Hi Everyone:

I know that by now you heard about the 4 Scouts that died and the many others that were injured during the Scout camp recently held in Iowa.

We will all keep these boys and families in our thoughts and prayers.

I also wanted to point out the heroism of these Scout people, many of the Scouts themselves who ditched concerns of self and went to the aid of others.

Authorities are saying that because of their training and selfless acts, many lives were saved and injuries minimized.

I want you all to be proud of the fact that you too are part of that same family.

And to the parents –

I will always be so grateful to know so many who value the Scouting way of life and for all that it teaches and prepares our sons.

Scouting is more than little wooden cars and crafts. It is about teaching timeless values and skills that really can make the difference between life and death.

Thank you for being the kind of people who value such a way of life.

Cubmaster Alex

The Scouts are an old organization. Some people might see it as a throwback to an earlier time when “Leave It to Beaver” was popular.

Perhaps giving added support to their cause is one small way we can turn our country around.

One Scout at a time.

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