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Archiver > ILJERSEY > 1999-05 > 0925567488


From: Bob French <>
Subject: [ILJERSEY-L] Boy Scouts
Date: Sat, 01 May 1999 09:04:48 -0500


It's a beautiful May Day here in Jerseyville. Reminds me of the young
people we saw a few years ago, in Gibson City, MS., dancing around the
May Pole. We stopped and were fascinated by the young boys in their
velvet suits and the girls in their fancy hooped skirt dresses. We were
on our way to Natchez to see the Spring Festival, just a side trip while
searching for dead relatives in old Mississippi.
Enough of that.
The reason for my post this morning concerns young people and their lack
of family pride. What can we do to instill a little bit of pride in the
minds of young people.
This is just a suggestion.
About 3 years ago a mother of a Boy Scout approached me about assisting
the Scout Troop in achieving their Genealogy Merit Badge. I agreed to
help and set up a 3 session class including home work. Most of the boys
didn't know where their grandparents were buried or where they were
born. When they came back for their second session, I could see some
excitement in their faces. Their parents had joined in with them and
they were on their way! They brought back their family group sheets
(filled out) and even had a story or two to tell about cemetery
searches.
Well, another parent called the other day with the same request. The
last of this month we are holding a session for a Scout Troop at the
Lutheran Church. The mother said I could have an hour (little does she
know, we are probably going to have another 3 session class!). The boys
love to hear you tell a story and all family genealogists have one to
tell. Ten years ago, I only knew one grandfather and one grandmother.
It's been quite a journey through time! Even tho, I have a skeleton or
two in the closet, I had a Grandfather who was close to George
Washington, and I tell them about both situations.
Sorry this post was so long, but due to the shootings in our schools and
the threats to our young children, I thought it might be important.
I'm sure the guilty ones in these cases have nothing to be proud about!
Maybe we can instill a little pride and confidence in their young minds.

Bob French, a proud member of the SAR

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