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On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country; to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; and keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

-- The Scout Oath

For 100 years the Scout Oath has guided boys and, unlike any other organization, young men in this country and throughout the world to positions of leadership and responsibility.

No organization outside the basic family structure has, I believe, produced more leaders in our country than the Boy Scouts of America. Our schools can educate, and experiences in team sports build cooperation, but Scouting instills character, leadership and responsibility. Having been a part of Scouting in the CSRA since 1964, I believe the phenomenon of Scouting is that spending only a small amount of time in the Boy Scouts produces great benefits in a man's life.

HISTORY SHOWS that most of the leaders produced by Scouting were not great athletes, nor were they the smartest boys in the class nor -- myself included -- not the most handsome or charming. The great thing about Scouting is that you need none of those attributes to not only enjoy the Scouting experience but also to gain leadership skills, personal confidence and a servant's heart.

Today the role of Scouting has taken an additional role in our community and our country. We all are familiar with the statistics of how many boys are growing up in homes where there is no positive male role model. it probably would surprise you to know that 30 percent to 40 percent of the boys involved in Scouting in the CSRA have no dad at home. Scouting and Scout leaders today are becoming a father's face for boys in our community and for America.

The greatest need that Scouting has in the CSRA is for men who are willing to become role models and leaders. When a leader volunteers, willing and eager boys will follow. Programs, camps, structured activities and great training are available if you are willing to commit your time and energy. The Scouting organization will help you to "be prepared" -- the Scout motto.

SCOUTING IS ALIVE and well in the CSRA, covering 16 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. More than 6,000 boys, girls and leaders participate from the first grade through high school. The number participating in the CSRA has increased each of the past three years, and in 2009 the Georgia-Carolina Council was one of the top three councils in the country in Scouting growth.

I encourage you to participate. You will find the work very rewarding. Please call the Scouting office at (706) 733-5277, or visit the Web site www.gacacouncil.org.

As you continue to read about the 12 points in the Scout Law here in The Augusta Chronicle over the next few weeks, be encouraged that many of our leaders in the next 100 years will be guided by the Scout Law and Oath.

(The writer, an Eagle Scout, is president of the Georgia-Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America.)