One hundred years ago this month, Arthur Eldred completed the 21 merit badges necessary to earn the rank of Eagle — the first Eagle Scout in the history of the Boy Scouts of America. Plenty of anecdotal evidence gathered in the century since then attests to the benefits of Scouting, but surprisingly, no one had ever conducted a scientific survey on the impact of Scouting in fostering positive youth development — until now.
Last week, researchers with Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) and Program on Prosocial Behavior released findings from a national study that, as one would suspect, demonstrate the significant, positive impact Eagle Scouts have on society.
When the findings were announced on Baylor’s official Facebook page last week, it was interesting to read the comments from members of the Baylor family. Some were alumni who were also Eagle Scouts; others were current students who have attained the rank, or parents of such students. Each of the dozens of commenters shared a common pride in being both Baylor Bears and Eagle Scouts.
Sic ’em, Baylor researchers and Baylor Eagle Scouts!
