Scouting merit badges aren't just for
looks on a sash. Some I think are just for fun, such as the archery,
Chess, Fishing and Canoeing. I've been impressed that many of the
merit badges introduce the young men to career options they may not
have considered or hobbies and interests that they may have never
dabbled in otherwise. However, there are some merit badges that take
a great deal of effort and perseverance for the boys to earn. Some
that stretch their limits both mentally, emotionally and physically.
I suppose you could say, I'm coming around to seeing scouting in a
new light. Perhaps it isn't all fluff after all.
One of the most physically exerting
badges for Caleb was his bicycling badge. He initially thought it
would be a fun and simple one to earn over the summer. He learned
that instead it would launch him into bicycle history, mechanics and
a rigorous training program for his actual cycling portion. There
were two, 10 mile rides, two 15 mile rides, two 25 mile rides and
then finally the 50 mile ride. He and his counselor actually went on
many 15 mile rides throughout the training and he found the 25 mile
rides fun and exciting. The 50 mile ride however found him home
afterward with shaky legs and a desire to stay at home and in bed for
the next 16 hours! He was completely wiped.
He has since been on many shorter rides
(10-20 milers), and finds that he enjoys cycling more than he thought
he would. He is working on building a new bike and I hope he
eventually stops growing so he can fit a bike for more than a year!
