OK, that sounds like a loaded title, but it’s accurate. A friend of mine (a local pastor) is forming a new boy’s club for inner-city boys, most of whom are either fatherless, imporverished, or both. The plan is to mentor them and teach them traditional life skills and Christian values so they can keep out of the pervasive crime cutlure and grow into Godly, productive citizens, rather than government depenents or criminals like so many around them. Unlike many middle-classed kids, they have it a lot tougher with regard to remaining unabsorbed by the crime culture because it’s all around them and in their face constantly to a very potent extent. This is a way to get them away from the influence and teach them something better. The intent is to build the organization to the point at which it can be formally adopted into the Boy Scouts of America, once all of the required protocols are in order, at which time the formal troop will continue to be managed by my friend and his team of volunteer scout masters and support staff. The aim is to teach the kids all sorts of things worhty of learning, from farming to fishing. Part of doing that, of course, will be taking the kids on trips, such as fishing trips.
Part of what leads impoverished youth into a life of crime or dependence is the feeling that they have nothing to be proud of and no one who cares. They often don’t have the skills and what we call “common knowledge” that kids get from having a good father, a cohesive extended family, and a stable community. That mates with another factor for them–the pervasive crime culture surrounding them. They find a substitute for real love, pride, skills, worthwhile learning, and respect in gangs and the drug culture. Kids want to be good at something. They want “skills”. Crime and drugs become something they can be good at, and among the young drug or gang culture, they find a place where they can be accepted and respected–but it’s not real acceptance or respect.
So, my friend wants you to help him give th
That’s a great idea gotcha. Very well written post. When you retire from insurance you need to write for a magazine or something.
I’m sure the full time charter guys are getting booked up right now and barely have time to wash their boats. I’m licensed and insured for occasional charters and I think I can donate a trip or two. I’m sure we would need a chaperone on board from one of the youths families. When you have 5 or 6 passengers fishing you need to have a crew member to keep up with the bait changing and the line tangles. This might require another volunteer. These are some minor details. Nothing we can’t handle. I’ll call or PM you later. Thanks.
Dorado II
Carolina Skiff 25DLV
Thank you, sir! Much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Gotcha Covered,
Lee Strickland
Strickland Marine Insurance Agency, Inc.
https://stricklandmarine.net
843-795-1000 / 800-446-1862
got your pm Lee. I am glad that yall will let me be a part of something so wonderful. Hopefully, I can make it to the meeting but w such short notice and such a busy schedule but it may not be possible. Then again, both of my bosses are understanding when it comes to giving back to the community. We need to get the youth of today doing the things that we all did growing up in the outdoors. Learning to live off of the land and to respect mother earth/nature. So many lessons to be learned by youngsters when in the outdoors with experienced and knowledgeable elders. Lord knows,I have learned a few. It makes a better man out of a boy. I was a boy scout and almost got my eagle but turned 16 and started chasing girls. Since I got a truck for my 16th I was more concerned with deer hunting and the young ladies at school. I regret it to this day. However, the things i learned in scouts i use everyday. Literally everyday. Also, when i played high school football I was a mentor to several of the elementary school kids with behavior problems. I would feel honored to participate.I am excited! ill call you in the morning before or around nine. Hopefully it wont fall on a day i have to be in a wedding or something.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
Just so everyone knows, there will be an official, background-checked, program chaperone with the kids on any outings, so you don’t have to worry about that angle if you’re a captain considering this offer of community service.
Keep in mind that since most charter boats are only licensed for six packs, we need as many willing captains as we can find.
God bless those who’ve shown interest so far!
Gotcha Covered,
Lee Strickland
Strickland Marine Insurance Agency, Inc.
https://stricklandmarine.net
843-795-1000 / 800-446-1862
A much better idea would be to take them to the Mt. Pleasant or Folly Piers. JMHO
Marsha
35 Contender
quote:
Originally posted by marshgrass
A much better idea would be to take them to the Mt. Pleasant or Folly Piers. JMHO
Marsha
35 Contender
That is also planned. It was the first idea on the table, and it will likely be done either way. The leaders aren’t just planning a couple of things. The idea is for a long-term program that is very active with lots of activities and opportunities–particularly those opporunities that poor, inner-city kids do not typically have at their disposal. Going on a boat is being seen as sort of a big deal.
Gotcha Covered,
Lee Strickland
Strickland Marine Insurance Agency, Inc.
https://stricklandmarine.net
843-795-1000 / 800-446-1862
Farming, archery, and other practical skills are also in the plan.
Also, someone sent me a PM asking about how to donate, and I realized that I had neglected to add that information for people who want to donate financially.
So, if anyone would like to send donations to the program, please send them to Hope Assembly of God, 633 King Street, Charleston, SC, 29403. I suggest that you write “Youth Outreach” on the “for” line because the church has several outreach programs. The pastor’s name is Gordon Cashwell.
I can personally recommend this church in good faith and conscience. It does more outreaches and almost any local ministry I’ve seen, and the pastor lives a humble life in a humble home.
Again, I am posting this information about donations because someone asked about it.
Gotcha Covered,
Lee Strickland
Strickland Marine Insurance Agency, Inc.
https://stricklandmarine.net
843-795-1000 / 800-446-1862
forgot to write down your number to call you this morning but i will do it now and call you in the A.M.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.