Boy Scouts has been established for the first time in the Korean Church setting in the southeast region of the U.S.
Next Thursday (September 18th) at 7 P.M., Korean Community Presbyterian Church of Atlanta will be hosting an informational and celebratory session during which attendees will be able to learn more about how to become involved in the community service organization.
Boy Scouts has a history of over 100 years, and has been influential in building the character of the boys and young men of American society. It has been acknowledged as a program of excellence that helps boys grow physically, mentally, socially, and as citizens of the country. Most U.S. presidents have had experience as Eagle Scouts, and participation in Boy Scouts builds credibility for students on their college applications as well as acknowledgement for those who enter the U.S. military.
Meanwhile, in Korean society, first generation parents had been unable to actively bring their children to participate in Boy Scouts activities as a result of language and cultural barriers that have been difficult to overcome.
The Boy Scouts charter that has been established at Korean Community Church will have all documents and activities available in Korean and English. Sean Kwak, a 1.5 generational Korean American who has been active in Boy Scouts since the first grade, has been hired to be the Scout Master, and will oversee Cub Scouts (1st through 5th grades) and Boy Scouts (6th through 12th grades).
Organizers of the Boy Scouts Charter in Atlanta explained the activities and the benefits of the organization. (From left to right: Hwan-Gyo Chung, Charles Kim, Sean Kwak, Suk Lee, Moo-Jae Cho)
Other leaders of the Boy Scouts charter includes Hwan-Gyo Chung, who has had Boy Scouts experience in Korea as well as experience as a leader; Suk Lee and Charles Kim, who are 1.5 generational Koreans and whose children have been actively participating in Boy Scouts; and Moo-Jae Cho, who is in charge of the financial support aspect of the Boy Scouts charter in the church. Many other volunteers have been actively supporting and participating in creating a safe and established environment, creating a structure for the Boy Scouts activities.
"Boy Scouts is a fun way for these boys to grow in their independence, leadership, citizenship, friendship, faithfulness, faith, integrity, respect, and other valuable characteristics that will stay with them for the rest of their lives," Kwak said.
"At the same time, they'll be able to develop many essential life skills as well as personal hobbies as they participate in various activities. For the younger cub scouts, their family's support is especially important. Although they should begin with a lot of interaction with their parents, as they grow older, they'll start to partake in activities in a more independent way, as they focus on the relationships between their leaders, themselves, and other members. Scouts will receive "merit badges' for every activity that they accomplish successfully. There are over 120 different types of merit badges for hobbies, survival skills, outdoor activities, and others, and through these, the scouts can have a very diverse experience," Kwak added.
Kwak, who came to the U.S. with his parents when he was only five years old, had dealt with dilemmas and identity issues regarding Korean and American cultures. However, he said, "Learning how to respect and obey leadership is a virtue that Korean parents value, but is actually difficult to teach within American society. Boy Scouts grows that character, as well as gives the opportunity to grow in community service, leadership, social skills, and discipline."
Being an Eagle Scout is the dream for all Boy Scout members, and is the highest rank that any member can achieve. Eagle Scouts possess basic skills in camping, hiking, cooking, and emergency situations, and must have at least 21 merit badges, signifying their knowledge and accomplishments. Eagle Scouts must also have leadership experience and completed numerous regional community service projects, one of which includes a personal project that they themselves had to plan and lead.
Despite concerns over the recent move to allow homosexual members to become leaders, Kwak said that "sex is not an issue in the Boy Scouts." He added, "Of course, we address the most basic safety concerns when it comes to sex and sex abuse or harassment, but we only deal with this issue in terms of safety. Also, the fact that the charter exists within the confines of the church implicates that our charter shares the same policies and values of the church."
Any young boys and men from first to twelfth grades will be able to participate, and can start once they and their parents pay the required registration fee of $20-$40. The meetings will be on Thursdays at 7 P.M. at Korean Community Church.
