David Thigpen

The south is an unforgiving environment, and it seems to many to be one of many hardships. The humidity, the mosquitos, and the one hundred- and five-degree heat discourage many people from going outdoors. Alas, I spent most of my childhood and early teenage years facing the outdoors as a Boy Scout of America.

I was a part of Troop 933 of Vidalia, Georgia. I started when I was a seven-year-old as a cub scout and I loved it. The cub scout program was an adventure because we would always be doing new stuff. Camping, boat riding, horseback riding, and even bb gun shooting were all entertaining for my young mind.

After graduating in the Arrow of Light ceremony, with tons of awards, I became a Boy Scout like my grandfather and uncle. The Boy scouts taught me life skills, patriotism, and moral codes. I would participate in 9/11 ceremonies, give speeches, lead others, and all around learn to be a better person. I made friends struggling through torrential downpours and freezing nights. I learned how to persevere through challenges and win. I would fight fears and overcome them. The Boy Scout law is still in my head as it goes, “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”

The Boy Scouts of America helped develop me into who I am today, and it taught me to always ‘Be Prepared.’