Scouting for Boys With Special Needs

What are boys with special needs? Take a moment and consider what comes to mind for you. Take your time, use Google, I'll wait.

Alex receiving Second Place Trophy for Overall Speed at the 2011 Pinewood Derby

Some obvious answers may be boys with Autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebal Palsy. You would be right if you suggested any of these. However, Special Needs come in many, many other ways. How about epilepsy? ADD and ADHD? ODD? How about Fragile X Syndrome? Or may Apraxia of Speech?

Does Pack 365 have any boys with Special Needs? YES WE DO!

The Special Needs Population isn't disabled. Sure, they may be limited in some things they are physically or mentally able to do. But they are FAR from disabled. They have dreams and wishes like anyone else.

Boy Scouts of America, and Pack 365, supports the growth of Boys With Special Needs in Scouting.

OK, so we're a welcoming, family-oriented Pack. But, you say, I've never been around a boy with Autism, or Apraxia of Speech (heck, I'm not sure I can spell it!). How should I behave?

Meet Alex and Riley, two of our scouts. Alex has Downs Syndrome and Riley has Apraxia of Speech. Their view on the world around them may be a little different from ours at times, but, I promise you, they are still boys. They still get excited about having fun, they love challenges, and THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE TO BE AROUND!

While I've known Alex for only a year and a half, I've known Riley for nearly seven years. I've watched him grow into who he is, and I can tell you, he's a great kid! His parents, while supportive and wanting to provide him with challenges, weren't as concerned about his advancement in Scouting. Guess what? Riley leads his Den in achievements! He is an awesome and shining example of what Scouting is about!

Here's a few tips to help you:
1. Allow your scout to ask questions so they can better understand;
2. Take time to look up Special Needs and learn with your Scout about the different ones;
3. Ask the Scout's parents. They're all too happy to talk with you about their son, they're proud of their's just like you're proud of yours!

Want to be moved, motivated, and feel good all at the same time? Click on the title of this Blog. Special Needs Boys are just like any other boys, it's our obligation to make opportunities for them to be challenged, have fun, and be a part of something that they'll be proud of! Let's not just sit and watch...let's jump up and do our part!