Spirit of Adventure: Eagle Scouts and the Making of America's Future

by Alvin Townley

An extraordinary journey alongside America’s new generation of Eagle Scouts, who are discovering their purpose and bringing the values of Scouting to the world. Over the past century, Scouts have helped to guide the course of American history. But what does Scouting and the Eagle badge mean to the Scouts of today? How will they shape the future of Scouting and America itself? In Spirit of Adventure , Scouting expert and Eagle Scout Alvin Townley finds the answer. Townley traveled across the country and to the far corners of the globe to meet these young Eagle Scouts. He found them everywhere, continuing the life of adventure and service that they had begun in Scouting. He discovered them in Afghanistan providing medical care to villagers, in Australia saving coral reefs, at the Super Bowl and Olympic venues striving for victory, on desert cliffs and at inner-city schools teaching new lessons, in Africa bringing hope to children, and on the windswept deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz preparing for takeoff. Whether doctors, activists, servicemen, entrepreneurs, or teachers, these young men are changing the world through bold actions that capture the essence of the Scouting tradition. In Spirit of Adventure , Townley answers important questions about the future of Scouting and America, while revealing stories of service, courage, and pure excitement that introduce our nation to an inspiring new generation of leaders.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2009

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book and I would recommend it for anyone involved in scouts, has a scout, or wants to understand the impact that Eagle scouts can have on the world. We always here about the Eagles that went on to be astronauts, politicians, etc. But this book will show you some that are having real world change in the lives of others. From creating a organization that digs wells in villages in Sudan, to Navy Seals, from NFL to Peace Corps and so much in between.

Printed in 2009, the author wanted to know what his generation of Eagle Scouts impact was on the world and their lives. The world has changed since scouting in the 1950's and 60's and the world is more interconnected now than ever before. But one thing that has stayed the same to the author, that the scout uniform levels all ranks. Whether socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, etc. the uniform makes all scouts one big family when in the troop. The comradery is one thing that helps scouts but the focus on the oath and law give all scouts a path to follow. So many carry that on to the rest of their lives.

The author traveled the world to find these Eagle Scouts. After all, Once and Eagle, Always an Eagle. It was a fascinating read. Even if you just like to hear about world travel to more out of the way places, this could be of interest.

[Joey Herman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting nonfiction book. Alvin Townley has been an Eagle Scout for years. When he wants to learn more about what other Eagle Scouts are doing now, he goes on an adventure around the world to interview them. This book tells the stories of people serving their country, improving the lives of others, and following their passions. We hear shocking experiences and learn about jobs that we haven't thought about before. What I found interesting about this book is everyone interviewed is doing what they love, even if it is dangerous or life threatening. I learned to appreciate the work of others more, especially those risking their lives for the United States. After each interview, the interviewee connects their future to scouting. All of these different people connect because they are Eagle Scouts and share similar values and beliefs. However, I found all of these features too repetitive which is why I rated this book 3 stars. I do not recommend this book unless you are very interested in Boy Scouts or want to learn more about Eagle Scouts.

[Michael Wiggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked some parts of this book, "Spirit of Adventure," very much. The author, Alvin Townley, went all over the world to see the impact that Eagle Scouts are making beyond the Scouting world. He certainly found that many Eagle Scouts are making a difference in their adult lives. I enjoyed some of Townley's adventures more than others. His week aboard the USS Nimitz appeals to me for family and personal reasons. My brother served on the Nimitz, and I served on the USS Theodore Roosevelt some years later. Other chapters engaged me a little less.

I will return to this when I have more time, and the book in my hands.

[Charli · Rating 4 out of 5]

SLJ review:

Adult/High School—A hiking trip gone uncomfortably wrong, in violation of the first credo of Scouting to "Be Prepared," caused Townley to revisit the history of Scouting and its principles. It also provided him with the spark to begin a year of traveling the world collecting anecdotes from adults who have taken these principles of and incorporated them into their everyday lives. These men, all of whom achieved the highest honor attainable, tended to gravitate toward professions that allowed them to exemplify the service attitude and leadership they learned while enjoying the camaraderie of others. From doctor to soldier, teacher, actor, and Olympic competitor, each man had a story to tell about how Scouting led him to make choices that would enrich his life. Written with a distinctly American point of view, Townley's book puts forth the idea that the underlying principles of Scouting help boys to become men who will be compassionate, competitive leaders. An extensive index and full-color photos enhance this solidly written entry about the value of old-fashioned American gumption.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book in which the author travels all over the United States and the world really and interviews various people across a wide variety of fields and backgrounds who happen to be Eagle Scouts. The interviews offer a lot about how Scouting affects people's lives and help them develop and mature as people. Interviewees included Navy SEALs, military veterans, pilots, sentinels at the tomb of the unknown soldier, scientists, conversvationists, a clerk for the supreme court, peace corps volunteers, doctors, teachers, NFL football players, entrepreneurs, and many more besides.

This book had pacing problems at times but I enjoyed it nevertheless as it was fascinating to consider how so varied a list of people from such different backgrounds benefited in such similar ways. It was amazing to see so many people who's Scouting experiences have led them to lead lives of adventure, service, challenge, and passion for doing good in the world.

I recommend this book if you are a fan of scouting and enjoy hearing about the scouting spirit and how it affects a lot of other people in the United States and around the world.

5/10

[Kippert]

Alvin has done it again! This time exploring how younger Eagle Scouts are shaping the world. For more go to www.alvintownley.com .

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about the lives of Eagle Scouts. Probably a good one for the scout in your life...

[Anthony Nuccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow-up to LOH and it is a wonderful read for any Eagle Scout, or anyone who wishes to see the impact my brothers and I have upon the world.

[Mark Greathouse]

Understand what drove the BSA principles before they corrupted them.