The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Boy Scouts

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  • Tim J. Crowley

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  • Tim J. Crowley

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Discussion

February 6, 2010

Scouting: Holy grail for youths

My father, Judge Jere G. Crow-ley, was known as the “spanking judge.” During his tenure in the 1930s, he did everything within his power to keep youthful offenders from receiving a permanent record, believing a record would severely diminish their chances for a successful life. Offenders appeared before him and periodically received a good paddling, a reminder of their transgressions.

My father believed the high tenants of Scouting were the holy grail for youth. He became dedicated to the Scouting program, and because of his efforts to help youth he was awarded the Silver Beaver, Scouts’ highest volunteer award. Upon my father’s insistence, I became a Cub Scout in the late 1940s. Scouting was the only organized activity in those days but still left plenty of time for one to listen to the radio shows, i.e. “Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy,” “Dick Tracy” and “The Lone Ranger.”

Because of the encouragement of my father, the devotion and tenacity of my mother and the unwavering dedication and ability to overlook small transgressions by my Scout Master J. Lee Cromwell, Troop 6, First Presbyterian Church, I was gradually swayed away from my Tom Sawyer/Huckleberry Finn propensities and finally obtained the rank of Eagle Scout in the late-1950s.

Without reservation, I can attest to the fact but for the high tenants of the Scouting program, a portion of which I hopefully acquired through a gradual process of assimilation, things could have easily gone the opposite direction for me.

Only 2 percent of all Scouts who enter the Scouting program receive the rank of Eagle. I believe the struggle to obtain the rank of Eagle taught me tenacity, persistence, steadfastness and consistency one always needs to confront the everyday trials of life.

It was and continues to be a single honor to be able to say that I am an Eagle Scout.

I was fortunate my son, Coulter, received his Eagle award and am doubly thrilled my grandson, Jace Hefner, will participate in his Eagle Scout Court of Honor in Dallas this month.



Tim J. Crowley, attorney

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