The Boy Scout oath, which is recited once a week by over one million scouts, begins:“On my honor, I will do my best…” Whether you’re a young scout or a professional painting contractor, these are powerful words to live by. PDCA has a history of supporting this youth organization and its traditional values.

In 1998, PDCA members came together to edit and fund a badly needed rewrite of the Boy Scout Painting Merit Badge booklet. Thanks to their heart-warming generosity, it was also the first merit badge in history to include a color graphic.

A recently appointed PDCA Committee, chaired by past president Carol Adkins, has made two recommendations that will help to continue PDCA’s proud service to Boy Scouts:

Earning merit badges is the way that Boy Scouts advance in rank. Scouts read and study the merit-badge booklet, and then meet with an adult counselor who makes sure that they have passed the requirements. At this time, there is a shortage of qualified merit-badge counselors for many subjects—including painting. That’s where you come in!

Consider contacting your local Boy Scout Council to ask about signing up to be a counselor for the Painting Merit Badge. Go to http://www.scouting.org/ and click on the “Find Your Local Council” tab at the top of the page. Contact your council and they will guide you through the process of registering. They also will tell you how to go about helping these eager young men. By being a counselor, you will also train someone who someday may be a future customer, painter-employee, or fellow painting contractor.

Another way to help the scouting movement would be to organize a “paint project” to benefit the local scout camp or headquarters. Most councils operate on a slim budget and count on volunteer help to keep their buildings in good condition. Painting a cabin or two—or a “campfull”— can make a big difference in your community.

PDCA’s Code of Ethics reminds us of our obligation: “To develop through continual study the highest degree of business and technical knowledge in our profession and industry.” As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100th year in 2010, let’s see what PDCA can do to help the scouts with their mission. In the process, we can educate the young leaders of tomorrow about our profession and industry.