We have an official boy scout

This past weekend Drew officially bridged over to boy scouts. Here are the words that were said at the ceremony. I think it's a great representation of how we feel about raising men. 

You see before you the bridge that these young men have assembled here this afternoon. It is a very special construction that reveals several valuable observations about life. There are key components in this structure that give profound meaning to this bridging ceremony. 

Notice the stability of the foundation blocks that represent the knowledge and skills these boys have learned that will help prepare them to meet the challenges of the future.

The support beams in this bridge are the load- carrying support system that bears the weight of those who walk upon it today. The support beams in life are the parents, leaders, and fellow scouts who assist these young gentlemen as they make their passage from boyhood to manhood.

It is of particular interest that this bridge was created by two groups of people, working from opposite directions, both reaching out to build a unifying structure that will allow them to come together. So, it is in life, that we must build bridges to unite us, not walls that separate us.

Working together, the scouts and webelos have used the rope to attach the planks to the bridge. The lashings keep the unit cohesive and strong. The memories that are being made in the hearts and lives of these boys through their scouting experience will bind them together as friends and brothers and help them grow into manhood.

Some bridges are one-way only. When these young men step across this bridge today it is symbolic of leaving the comfort of the past and stepping out into the adventure of the future. Each plank they pass takes them one step closer to the fulfillment of their dreams and the reward of their hard work. 

Copyright Lee Stevens 2008

This is the tribe that told the story of bridging. Very serious.

This is what we gave Drew as his gift. These are the most important awards achievements he's earned

Tonight, Drew went to the boy scout ceremony and was introduced as one of their newest scouts