Reader comments
MormonTimes.com: Couple 'Scouts' for families, community, church

30-40 hours a week? | 6:03 a.m. July 25, 2008

30-40 hours a week is a full-time job, the average wage of which is $60,000. As an economist, I'm always amazed by how the Church gets people to work for free. Imagine if this family took $60k per year and invested it in their children's future?

No, I haven't had a recommend in years.

Lois in NC | 6:18 a.m. July 25, 2008

I am always impressed with people who do volunteer work, and especially those who reach out to young people to give them reason to make a big difference in their lives. Hats off to the couple in Odgen UT who give so much to young boys in this great Scouting Program. Our young people will be the leaders of the church and in the communities every where, and how they are prepared depends on how they are mentored today. Blessings to the leaders who prepare them.

Children's Future | 6:51 a.m. July 25, 2008

I guess "investing in their children's future" would depend on who they counted as "their" children.

Comments continue below

SCOUTOVERATED | 7:36 a.m. July 25, 2008

The BS in BSA doesn't just stand for Boy Scouts. If they are spending 30-40 hrs a week in scouting, something else is getting neglected. Beleive me I know.

TexasEagle | 7:49 a.m. July 25, 2008

30-40 - What a great contribution. Do you really think The Church is getting it for free? THAT IS a $60k investment in thier children's future and yours.
The Church never gave them a calling that requires 30-40 hours a week, that is called love and volunteering. When an individual volunteers to fill a position on the District or Council level, it is not a "calling" given by The Bishop. It is the individuals desire to help in giving service to the Boy Scouts.

As a CPA, I can attest that your economics are shortsighted.

ScottAZ | 8:05 a.m. July 25, 2008

What a great article. Love it.

JJ | 8:13 a.m. July 25, 2008

I agree there is a difference from a District postion and a Church position. If this were a church position the story would reflect how the scouting program had been shared through the use of 30 to 40 hours of basketball practice.

Drahcir | 9:38 a.m. July 25, 2008

At 30 to 40 hours a week, one would think they could help pay towards the 14 million dollar judgement against the Boy Scouts for torching
the Uintas.

Karen | 9:42 a.m. July 25, 2008

"30 hrs a week" has a bean-counter view of the word investment. It takes a lot more than mere money to provide a solid moral and psychological grounding to children who are growing up in a society that pulls them to selfishness and lawlessness.

Kudos to the Ramoses for contributing to our society by strengthening the children. One boy who is successful in scouting is one less taken by the gangs.

Come on, "30 hrs," invest some time in your community!! It could give a great return.

Bob | 10:15 a.m. July 25, 2008

Someday everyone will be on their death bed. Money means nothing then. "Leaving a legacy" is part of Woodbadge training. Preparing young people to make ethical and moral judgements over their lifetime is priceless.

kenny | 10:19 a.m. July 25, 2008

The person who gives 30-40 hours of their time because they enjoy the work and have the time to devote to it is doing a good service.The one who only has a hour to give and gives that is doing a good service too.Many people wont give their time unless its the big grand spash!!!!They are missing out. Even a little time is worth the effort.I was a scout as a 12 year old and I do remember the names and faces of my scout leaders and the events we shared together as if were yesterday.You desire to make a impression? Work with a boy in scouting.Dont take my word for it. Just try it. You will see.

DD | 11:09 a.m. July 25, 2008

Wasn't there some controversy last year about the exorbitant salaries that BSA executives receive in the midst of all of these volunteers. It does seem odd that someone would be willing to spend so many hours a week volunteering. It's definitely better than watching 30 hours of T.V. a week.

No thanks... | 12:19 p.m. July 25, 2008

I would not donate time to a charity that paid its executives as well as the BSA do. When they fix that problem maybe I would.

How people think | 12:44 p.m. July 25, 2008

I am amazed sometimes about how some people think. I think it's so sad that someone can't see that this story is a story of love and respect and devotion to children who don't always get much of that. How much richer our community is because of people who volunteer, rather than because of people who only see dollar signs and things to criticize! Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ramos!

MTM | 1:06 p.m. July 25, 2008

I'm amazed at just how many people think money is the answer to everything. I have 4 sons and all are Eagle Scouts. There has been a great deal of time my wife and I have put into callings and into serving at the District level. The results aren't just four sons that are good citizens, but many more lives we've had the chance to touch...and been touched by as well. We've thought of the time invested as a bad investment.

If your focus is only on the money aspect, I truly feel sorry for you.

Brent in Colorado | 1:35 p.m. July 25, 2008

I appreciate the comments here. The economist who wonders what $60,000 invested in their children's future would yield. Actually, it would not yield a whole lot if not accompanied by good values, work ethic, kindness, and love. These are qualities me and my children have obtained from service to others yet still finding quality time for each other. I am A CPA involved in sorting out a lawsuit between family members and other finaincial messes because of money combined with selfishness.
In regard to not donating time to scouts due to overpaid executives. The logic behind that statement is disappointing. I am not thrilled with the compensation issues either but to deny these kids your time to make a point to management just is not right. I am not real pleased with some of the salaries school administrators make, yet I will stay involved in the PTA and help classrooms. The Red Cross pays some of it people too much in my opinion but I will still volunteer to help flood victims.
These kids spend alot of time surfing the internet, text messaging, watching TV and playing video games, etc. What scouting can provide is a great counterbalance.

tigerlily | 2:51 p.m. July 25, 2008

30 to 40 hours unpaid. its all volunteer. i know i'm a scout leader too. and i put in almost that much time a week

Anonymous | 3:32 p.m. July 25, 2008

The Ramos' are converted to the believe that we can build better boys through Scouting. They and other families are making a huge difference (Paul Krebs, Marina and Richard Gonzalez, others). Thank you all!

John Pack Lambert | 3:44 p.m. July 25, 2008

Some of you people seem not to have read the article. While Rita has a position in the Distcict Level Scouting organization, both her and Andres are involved with scouting in their local ward.
Also Andres is on the Young Men's General Board.
I think what the Ramos's have done is absoultely wonderful.

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