GA08095

Scouting changes lives, says seminary-bound teen

by Eva Stimson

John Washburn, southern region president of Venturing and an elder in Druid Hills Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, spoke at the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters Luncheon on Tuesday. Photo by Chuck Proudfoot

SAN JOSE, June 25, 2008 — Five years ago John Washburn was a teenager in trouble. His father had died the previous year. As Washburn told about 40 people gathered for the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters Luncheon, he expressed his grief by wearing long hair, black clothes, writing on himself with Sharpies and hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Then he and about 10 other equally troubled young people joined Venturing, a program of the Boy Scouts of America designed to help young people ages 14–20 develop character, physical fitness and citizenship.

“One of us was a member of the Bloods gang,” he said. “Another was in a drug recovery program, but still suicidal. One still owed some community service for a shoplifting charge.”

Three of them were children of alcoholic parents, and several had learning disabilities.
Their Venture crew focused on Sea Scouting, which meant they learned all about sailing, seamanship and related skills. They spent summer weeks sailing in Maine and the Chesapeake Bay. They earned certifications in scuba diving, lifeguarding, first aid and storm spotting for the National Weather Service. They also did service projects: building wildlife habitats, visiting hospitals and collecting toys for children of military personnel.

“We learned to care about one another,” Washburn said. “And we changed. Oh, how we changed.”

Washburn, now 18, is headed for college and then seminary. He is an assistant scout master and an elder at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Ga.. Standing in uniform before the lunchtime group gathered at San Jose’s Westminster Presbyterian Church, he expressed his gratitude for the scouting program.

“Thank you for being leaders for us. Thank you for praying for us. You’re not only teaching leadership skills, you’re saving lives — lives like mine.”

The National Association of Presbyterian Scouters was formed in 1986 and has maintained links with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) since 1988.

Opening and closing ceremonies for the group’s General Assembly lunch were conducted by the color guard of Troop 116, sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Jose. Outgoing president Wray Johanning from Ballwin, Mo. presented service awards to several adult leaders. He also introduced the group’s new president, Joe Larrance, of Traverse City, Mich.