Though I didn't make Eagle. Scouting shaped the man I am today as well. I actually saw the breakdown and pussification of my troop. I'm only 27. It was sad, and those of us older scouts were alienated when it happened.

When I was in the Scouts, they took me shooting, and taught me how to sharpen axes and hatchets. That was the mid '80s. My troops was a "strict" one because we couldn't have sheath knives- all the other troops could

My son is involved in the boy scouts now and we chose a troop that really does some adventurous stuff. They camp every month of the year hike and learn real woodsmanship skills. All the kids have knives and have learned to use them safely. They build fires and learn to shoot amongst many other merit badges. We chose this troop well as some others do not get this involved. Good leaders are key!