More from the Summit Blog

Not Your Average Scout

What Is Patrol Z?David (Dave) Evans, an Eagle Scout from upstate New York, may seem like your average guy. He plays football and he’s a good student. But Dave is far from average. Dave is a fourth-class cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Getting into West Point is tough on its own, but being recruited and accepted to play football for the Black Knights? Even harder. Dave attributes his acceptance to West Point and his success during Cadet Basic Training (CBT) to his experiences in Scouting.

Scouting Skills Are Life Skills

During his 12 years in the Scouting program, Dave learned all kinds of things.

“You learn skills in Scouting that you wouldn’t think would be useful in everyday life, things like the ability to read a map. If you’re on a road trip and you are the only person who can read a map, that is going to be a very valuable skill,” he said.

Go Army!
David Evans (66) watches during a football practice at West Point. (Photo Courtesy Mark Evans)

Other Scouting skills like rock climbing, rappelling, orienteering and wilderness survival have also helped him succeed in Cadet Basic Training.

“I came into CBT already possessing these skills, which really gave me an edge over other people who had never used a compass or climbed before,” Dave said. “The only place you can get leadership experience as a young guy is in Scouting.”

Scouting — Check Out The Adventure

According to Dave, Scouting is some of the most fun you can have — anywhere.

“High adventure is where it’s at,” said Dave. “Some guys don’t realize all of the awesome activities Scouting offers, and some of the sweet things that are going to be offered at the Summit.”

Life Changed By The Boy Scouts

We’ve all heard the stories about how the Boy Scouts of America has changed people’s lives, and Dave Evans is living proof.

“I would not be where I am today without the Boy Scouts of America.” he said. “Could I have gotten into West Point if I hadn’t been an Eagle Scout? Probably. Would it have been as easy? Absolutely not. Being a Scout has changed my life forever.”

 

Connect + Share