SOCASTEE -- Roger Brock needs just two books---both from the mid-20th century--to complete his impressive collection of Boy Scouts of America Handbooks. He even has a copy of the first edition, put out in 1910.
"It told you how to stop a runaway horse," Brock said of the first book. "Could you imagine that today?" he said with a smile.
Even though his son completed his Eagle Scout 30 years ago, Brock can testify to the habits of today's scouts as they earn their merit badges on the way to Eagle, the Boy Scouts' highest honor. He continues to serve as Committee Chairman for Troop 856 in Socastee.
He keeps meticulous records of each and every badge earned by each and every scout that comes through the troop. There have been over 400 scouts in the 52-year-old troop, and 27 have become Eagle Scouts--well more than the national average.
"For them to follow you, you need to set an example," said Brock. He never made Eagle; in fact, he didn't even advance beyond Cub Scouts when he was growing up in Conway. He decided to give scouting a try when he was an adult, back from military service.
"I just volunteered," he said. "It was in name only. My son got involved in 1975, and I was already involved for several years, and so I stayed on."
Brock has served as Scoutmaster, along with more than 30 years as Committee Chairman.
"To me, it's very worthwhile to see a boy come back after 25 or 30 years to shake my hand to say, 'I appreciate it, Mr. Brock, what you've done for me.' It's very rewarding," he said.
This week, the Boy Scouts of America celebrate 100 years, and will mark the occasion with activities throughout 2010, including a Super Jamboree campout at Fort A.P. Hill near Washington, D.C.
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