A new feature on savannahnow.com is a page devoted to the Boy Scouts. This page includes local photos, stories and video. The page also includes contact information and hopefully other helpful resources for Boy Scouts, their moms and others involved in the 100-year-old organization. We want the page to be a service for Boy Scouts, but also an outlet to brag about your favorite scout, either through news, photos or video. Please check it out at: http://savannahnow.com/boyscouts.

Now another feature on this page also will hopefully interest viewers on Coastal Mommies. Once a month, we will feature the Scout Mom of the Month. This mom goes above and beyond car pools and badge services.

Our first Scout Mom of the Month (for January) is Glenda Stapleton. Ms. Stapleton resume is beyond impressive, not just as a Cub and Boy Scout volunteer and leader but as a person. In addition to her full-time job with the U.S. Marshals Service, her Boy Scout duties have or do include: BSA Troop 165 Committee Member, Environmental Coordinator, Scout Parent Unit Coordinator, Friends of Scouting Troop Rep., SSR 882 Wood Badge Member and Cub Scout Pack 665 Assistant Cubmaster.

Please read her interview below.

If you'd like to nominate someone for the Scout Mom of the Month, please e-mail jennifer.menster@savannahnow.com.

Name:  Glenda Stapleton
Age: 48
Residence: South Effingham
Job: Administrative Officer with the United States Marshals Service

Why did you decide to get your kid(s) involved in the Boy Scouts? 

As a mom, I wanted to have my children involved in extracurricular activities in school as well as out.  When my first son came home with a Cub Scout flyer in his book bag, I checked out the program.  I really liked what the program stood for, “Duty to God”.  Of course we also like the activities, merit badges, camping, knot tying, recycling, community service projects, etc., and getting back to basics.

When and why did you yourself decide to get involved with the Boy Scouts?

I decided to get involved in scouting when I went to my very first meeting which was in September 1990.  My first son started as a Tiger Cub.  I’ve always been involved with my children’s activities and I’m a hands-on, get involved kind of person.  When the first meeting got started, everyone was introduced, each boy was asked about his summer, each parent and child made a craft together, and we played a game outside.  We really had a good time and the most important factor of the evening was; it was family oriented.   At this point I just knew I wanted to work with the scout program. 

Over the years, you’ve juggled a career, church, helping the boys with homework.  In addition to helping with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and committee members of troops and packs, how do you manage it all?

Well, you can’t always do it all, but you can give it your best shot.  I manage by prioritizing and multi-tasking.

And with everything you have had going on, why is it important for you to remain involved with helping the Scouts?

I have witnessed through the years that a boy with parent(s)/guardian(s) that are actively involved in scouting is more driven to continue the program and successfully obtain the ultimate rank…….Eagle Scout.   You want to see all the boys succeed.  It breaks my heart to see a boy start out in scouting and end up quitting.  Being there as a volunteer can make a difference.  You just have to like what you do.  It also helps when you have a great group of people you volunteer with, like I do.  We just have to remember, that these young boys and men today, are tomorrow’s future.  Many of our country’s leaders past and present, were/are Eagle Scouts.

Boy Scouts is celebrating 100 years.  Why do you think this organization is vital to young boys and men?

Because of all that the program has to offer and the values that it stands for.  A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.  These are powerful attributes that the scouting program began with, and continues with, 100 years later.  Let’s keep the Boy Scouts of America around for another 100 years.  Become a scout volunteer.