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The Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of America held their annual Investing in Character luncheon on Tuesday at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery. The event raised $22,550 for the Boy Scouts. The keynote speaker was Al Byrd, Football Chaplain at N.C. State University.
Mac Campbell, himself a former Eagle Scout, introduced Byrd to the audience. Byrd has spent some time in Bladen County this week prior to addressing the luncheon. He spoke to the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church on Sunday and also addressed the Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy.
Byrd is a 1986 graduate of Smithfield-Selma High School. Upon graduation, Byrd was offered a scholarship to play football under Coach Dick Sheridan at N.C. State University.
Byrd told those gathered he himself is a former Cub Scout. He said where he grew up was a neighborhood filled with “Shot Gun” houses (narrow rectangular style homes) and a neighborhood corner store.
He said at the time he was a child, Scouting wasn’t thought of in his neighborhood. Byrd said across the street from his home was an old African American community school building. There they had different activities.
Byrd said that one day, he came home from school and discovered his Mom and Dad had purchased him a Cub Scout shirt and a Cub Scout scarf. He said while other kids in the neighborhood would go to the corner store with their dimes and spend it on candy, he would hold on to his dimes. Byrd said the dues for his Cub Scout Troop were 0.10 cents and he was proud to be a Cub Scout, so he made certain each week he had his dime to pay his dues.
Byrd recalled his Cub Scout would discuss taking a trip though they never did while he was a member. He added that through his Cub Scout book and his Cub Scout magazine, he was able to go to a lot of places.
“It allowed me to dream. My circumstances didn’t limit me,” said Byrd.
He said that while his parents did not go to college, he was able to attend college. Byrd added his early experience with Scouting was what has enabled him to become the person he is today.
Byrd said that a group called Communities in Schools wanted to set up Scouting in the public housing communities. He said they are attempting to infuse Scouting into the inner city.
Byrd said he is proud to say Scouting was a part of his life.
Event Chairman Renee Horton told those in attendance that her own son, Woody Horton, had been involved in scouting growing up and had earned his Eagle Scout badge.
She also pointed out ESPN had published a video about Villanova point guard Josh Hart. She said the main focus of the video was about Hart completing his Eagle Scout badge. Horton said according to the video, Hart made a promise to his father to complete it.
Horton also told the group that in Washington, DC, the Boy Scouts are preparing to give their report to the nation. Rob King, a Boy Scout from Lumberton, was selected as one of the 11 person contingent to go to Washington.
“When you make an investment in Scouting, it is truly an investment in character,” said Horton.
Next, Elliott Madden, who earned his Eagle Scout badge recently, spoke about what Scouting has meant to him. Madden joined the Boy Scouts in 2007 as a Tiger and is currently a member of Troop 600.
Madden said Scouting has helped him in developing strong leadership skills, a great sense of courage and has built his confidence in himself and his ability to take charge and lead people.
“Because of some of the things we’ve done, I know how to survive in the woods,” said Madden.
He has also had the opportunity to take life saving courses and first aid courses through his affiliation with Scouting.
Madden also serves as a Senior Patrol Leader and has led an entire troop of Scouts for one year. He said as Senior Patrol Leader, he is in charge of 30 Scouts.
Madden said his goal is to attend military college and become a JAG attorney for the U.S. Army. He said an Eagle Scout badge is looked upon as very beneficial.
Those gathered in attendance also watched a video presentation regarding the history of the Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of America. The Cape Fear Council celebrated its 100 birthday last year.
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