With so many negative outlets for children to become involved in — drinking, drugs, crime — what’s remained a steadfast activity throughout the decades is scouting.

Cory Rawlins, a member of Ironton Boy Scout Troop 106, demonstrated that very fact last week when he completed his Eagle Scout project by installing a flagpole at the Edna Kopacz park.

The Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, of America has been an invaluable asset for the youth of our community and all over the country because it has allowed them to build self-confidence, provide needed services to others and impart ethical standards.

Scouting also allows children and teens the opportunity to try new things that maybe they wouldn’t have been able to do at home, such as camping, learning survival skills, building things with their own hands and interacting with their communities.

Scouting used to be much more widespread in Lawrence County, but over the years, interest has waned. We hope the still active troops will continue to seek new membership and continue to promote good values for our youth.

Thank you, Cory Rawlins, and the rest of the scouts and scout leaders in Lawrence County for striving to make this community a better place.