"Patches and Pins" was completed before I left the Scouting program for the first time in 1987. It is a series of stories and background on why I feel Scouting is so important to a youth's life; more importantly, why I viewed Scouting as one of the most important things I have ever done during my life.
The book starts with my earliest Scouting experience, as a new Cub Scout, called a "Bobcat". It winds itself through my primary, middle and high school experiences, onward to National Scouting service as an elected representative and later as a volunteer, and onward through my paraprofessional training and experiences.
It takes the reader to a military training area in central Europe, to the National Scout Jamboree in Virginia and finally ends in a decision -- the most important one I had to decide for myself and my young family. The stories are a mixture of basic Scouting lore with a Black/African-American face on it to more deeper thoughts on why "do it".
It is earthy and also uplifting.
(The original name of the book, "Patches and Pins: The Quest for the Silver Beaver and all of the other Crap" has been removed...mainly because the quest is over. The book will be published with the title "Patches and Pins: Guidance and Advice from a Black Eagle.")
Taken from this book are the following:
And these "Scout Law" points:
| Trustworthy | Obedient |
| Loyal | Cheerful |
| Helpful | Thrifty |
| Friendly | Brave |
| Courteous | Clean |
| Kind | Reverent |