Spirit Of Adventure: Eagle Scouts And The Making Of America'S Future

Spirit Of Adventure: Eagle Scouts And The Making Of America'S Future

An extraordinary journey alongside America's new generation of Eagle Scouts, who are discovering their purpose and bringing the values of Scouting to the world. Over the past century, Scouts have helped to guide the course of American history. But what does Scouting and the Eagle badge mean to the Scouts of today? How will they shape the future of Scouting and America itself? In Spirit of Adventure, Scouting expert and Eagle Scout Alvin Townley finds the answer. Townley traveled across the country and to the far corners of the globe to meet these young Eagle Scouts. He found them everywhere, continuing the life of adventure and service that they had begun in Scouting. He discovered them in Afghanistan providing medical care to villagers, in Australia saving coral reefs, at the Super Bowl and Olympic venues striving for victory, on desert cliffs and at inner-city schools teaching new lessons, in Africa bringing hope to children, and on the windswept deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz preparing for takeoff. Whether doctors, activists, servicemen, entrepreneurs, or teachers, these young men are changing the world through bold actions that capture the essence of the Scouting tradition. In Spirit of Adventure, Townley answers important questions about the future of Scouting and America, while revealing stories of service, courage, and pure excitement that introduce our nation to an inspiring new generation of leaders. From School Library Journal Adult/High School-A hiking trip gone uncomfortably wrong, in violation of the first credo of Scouting to "Be Prepared," caused Townley to revisit the history of Scouting and its principles. It also provided him with the spark to begin a year of traveling the world collecting anecdotes from adults who have taken these principles of and incorporated them into their everyday lives. These men, all of whom achieved the highest honor attainable, tended to gravitate toward professions that allowed them to exemplify the service attitude and leadership they learned while enjoying the camaraderie of others. From doctor to soldier, teacher, actor, and Olympic competitor, each man had a story to tell about how Scouting led him to make choices that would enrich his life. Written with a distinctly American point of view, Townley's book puts forth the idea that the underlying principles of Scouting help boys to become men who will be compassionate, competitive leaders. An extensive index and full-color photos enhance this solidly written entry about the value of old-fashioned American gumption.- Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI Copyright