ScoutParents is the vision of lifelong Scouter Gerald I. Lawhorn. Gerald was
diagnosed with the ALS/Lou Gehrig's challenge (disease) on June 6, 2005 at
the age of 59. The first ScoutParents draft was printed out by him and his fam-
ily thirteen days later. When Gerald contacted the National BSA regarding his
vision, Bob Mazzuca, John Green and Al Kugler came to visit him.
"After our discussion about a National Parent Initiative concept, Bob, John
and Al communicated to me their passionate commitment and belief that
this was truly needed to enhance Scouting retention and recruitment; both for
youth and their parents-mentors as volunteers. From that moment on, I have
never looked back and never will."
Thereafter, Gerald, his family and many of his Scouting friends and profes-
sional associates have been involved to get ScoutParents where it is today.
Gerald first became involved in Scouting in 1954 when his Aunt Gervaise and
Uncle Boots decided to start a Cub Scout Den in Sylvester, Georgia.
"Aunt Gervaise introduced me and my Scouting buddies to God in her Den
meetings. This above all is what I value the most of my GREAT Scouting ex-
perience."
With his Scouting Dedication and perseverance, Gerald rose to the rank of
Eagle Scout and eventually enjoyed being a Scoutmaster. He has been awarded
the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, and Distinguished Eagle awards. Gerald
credits much of his life's success to his GREAT Scouting experience and has
been giving back to Scouting his entire life. ScoutParents is one of the four mis-
sions of the Gerald I. Lawhorn Scouting Base, Flint River Council, BSA.
"Thank you for your leadership . . . This may be one
of the most important and significant initiatives the
Boy Scouts have undertaken in years."
Roy Williams, former Chief Scout Executive, speaking to Gerald
Scoutmaster Mr. g's firm belief is that all potential and current Cub Scout, Boy
Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing parents/guardians/mentors should choose
to be educated about Scouting so they will fully understand and appreciate the
timeless values, character development, citizenship training and other benefits
Scouting will have in their child's life as well as their own. If they do, they will
participate and persevere with their child in Scouting and ALL will receive
Scouting's GREAT rewards.
He believes All parents of Scouts should be encouraged to be a volunteer
and make it known that they desire to participate, help and enjoy Scouting
with their child. Those that choose to will be the ones who become ScoutParents
or other Dedicated Scouting volunteers. One of Scoutmaster Mr.'s quotes:
"Scouts of 'drop off' parents generally drop out!"
Gerald's Action Plan for ScoutParents is to "Provide, encourage and empower
year-round ALL Scouting family members, volunteers including passionate
Scouting FamilyTeams, and BSA professionals opportunity to obtain, distribute
and use GREAT ProScouting resources and sponsored materials to assist in the
retention of Scouting participants, registering of 1,000,000 + additional Dedicated
Scouting youth and recruitment of 1,000,000 + additional adults as ScoutParents
or other Dedicated Scouting volunteers by May, 2010 who ALL participate in The
GREAT Family FUN of Scouting!"
Gerald has requested us Scouters to please participate in helping ScoutParents evolve
and develop into a successful proponent of Scouting and to Help Make It SO!
" I firmly believe the Boy Scouts of America's number of traditional
registered volunteers and youth will more than Double in Bob's t tenure as Chief Scout Executive."
- Gerald I. Lawhorn 2007-06-13