Integrity. Purpose. Responsibility. Compassion. Citizenship. The development of these character traits will allow our youth to enjoy a greater quality of life. There is truth in the adage, "character is not just what we think, it's what we do." One program that provides a foundation for young men to develop character traits like these is the Boy Scouts of America program. Of particular importance is the Eagle Scout Service Project that young men must complete in order to earn their Eagle Scout Rank. I have had the opportunity to observe first-hand how effective this program can be in creating men of quality in our own community.

Jordan Gutierrez of Green Valley Ranch recently completed his project that will earn him the Eagle Scout Award. He was able to personally deliver over 70 newborn kits to mothers living in poverty in Torreon, Mexico. The newborn kits contained handmade flannel receiving blankets, pajamas, cloth diapers and pins, booties, and soap. These items were very beneficial to families who at times have to wrap their newborns in t-shirts and take them to homes that generally are constructed of plywood, have dirt floors and no indoor plumbing. Jordan spent the week prior to delivery of these kits working in the neighborhoods where these homes were built, so he understood fully the implications of his project. Kits were distributed throughout the maternity ward, but as word got out that Jordan was delivering these kits, mothers with their new babies began to assemble in a constant stream of arrivals and stood quietly waiting for an opportunity to receive a kit in the lobby of the hospital. It was a humbling sight to see and a rewarding conclusion to the project wherein Jordan was able to see the fruits of all his labors.

Prior to leaving for Mexico, Jordan discovered what was required to organize such a project. He began by presenting a proposal for his project to several different entities for approval. He then had to market his idea to the community through various means in order to acquire the necessary donations. He recruited the help of fellow boy scouts in troop 923 in Aurora as well as members of the Denver Sheriff Department, Qwest, the congregations of the Aurora Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the women's organization of the church of his teacher, Ethan Emery from Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College. He oversaw two "quilting bee luncheons" conducted by Arlene Arnold of Green Valley Ranch, where women came and volunteered their time sewing flannel receiving blankets to be used in the kits. All of these efforts resulted in the production of more than 70 kits which took four large suitcases to transport to Mexico. These kits represented approximately $1600 in donations and 175 man hours of work, all presided over by 15-year old Jordan.

Engaging in the process of this project created several benefits for Jordan. These included the acquisition of a number of useful skills, increased his confidence, provided a world-view of human interaction, allowed him the opportunity to feel the support of his community and the joy of giving, and helped him develop those positive character traits mentioned above. Integrity. Purpose. Responsibility. Compassion. Citizenship.