[Alex2614]

I recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For me, it wasn't just scouting that helped me in robotics, but also vice-versa. It was the leadership skills that I gained through the scouting program that I carried over when we started the FRC team #2614 four years ago. It was that summer that I did my Eagle Scout project, so I didn't have as much FIRST experience. But, I didn't obtain the Eagle rank until late summer 2010, at which time FIRST had consumed my life. We have actually developed partnerships with the scouting program through my involvement.

It truly is great to see two different programs that have the same mission come together. I had no clue there were so many BSA-FIRST kids (let alone Eagle Scouts!) out there. The two programs have essentially the same mission and the same standards for those involved. One will notice many similarities between the Boy Scout Law, Oath, and Slogan and FIRST's Gracious Professionalism. Also, look at BSA's Order of the Arrow (Scouting's National Honor Society). Its core is Cheerful Service to others. Isn't that what FIRST is about too?

Their missions are also the same in that they are growing today's youth into tomorrow's leaders. They are both fantastic programs to get involved in, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have both of them in my life.

I will always be an Eagle Scout and I will always be a FIRST kid as well.

Yours In Scouting,
Alex S.