This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. And it’s no wonder the organization has made it this far as it has instilled values and morales into thousands of young boys and men.

Cedric Halvorson, Sidney, is one of those Scouts who says the program has had a tremendous positive influence on his life. “Scouting has always been sort of a tradition in my family,” he said. His father, Tom, and his two brothers, and Cedric’s two brothers, Leif and Haans, have all participated in the organization, reaching Eagle Scout.

Cedric started the program in second grade as a Tiger Cub, then continued on through Cub Scouts and finally through Boy Scouts. He finally achieved Eagle Scout rank in 2002 during his senior year of high school after completing specific requirements.

Tom Halvorson, seated, and his three sons, from left, Cedric, Haans and Leif have each earned Eagle Scout status.

Cedric admits that, although his parents largely played a role in his initial involvement in the organization, he eventually came to enjoy it and believes it’s had a “huge part in building my character.”

“I have learned leadership skills, how to use my resources to find solutions for problems, ask for help from those who know more than I in other areas, and how to persist through a tough job or time in my life,” he said. “If I wasn’t involved in Boy Scouts growing up, I don’t feel that I would be as strong and as successful of a person.”

Halvorson says the 12 points of the Scout Law (trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent) help to solidify what many parents try to teach their children. And the Scout slogan and oath are also lessons that will stay with him for life.

Several times he’s had to use many of those traits through the years, especially “thrifty.”

“I have found myself many times needing to fix something on a moment’s notice and having to use what I had instead of using what was right for the job, simply because what was right for the job was not available,” he said. In particular, he used his thrifty skills to repair broken instruments last year as band director during music festivals. “It seems that the more you practice being thrifty the more creative you become and the easier it is to adapt in sticky situations,” he said.

Halvorson has spent more than 15 years in the Boy Scouts organization. He spent two years involved in a Scout Troop in Dickinson, N.D., and is now a member on the Scout Troop Committee for his former Scout Troop. “I am fortunate that I can still be involved in Scouting,” he said.

For those who would like to consider joining Scouts, students may speak to fellow classmates, go to a meeting or attend an outing to get a feel for the program.

For parents who are considering getting their children involved, a meeting is being held Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. to present information on Friends of Scouting. The meeting will be held at the “Scout Shack” at Pella Lutheran Church.

With eight family members in the Halvorson family already having achieved Eagle Scout, Cedric says he’s hoping for number nine as he and his wife are expecting a son.

“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is very attainable for any Scout, but there is a lot of work involved,” he said. “Scouts and Eagles alike have gone on to do many great things: teachers, professional sports, presidents of the United States and even astronauts. I think that the Boy Scouts is an organization that every boy should give a try for at least a little while.”

reporter@sidneyherald.com