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November 28, 2009

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Visitor from Britain ‘Scouts’ LV troop

Tuesday, April 23, 2002 | 8:21 a.m.

Perseverance is one of the three principles that has guided Boy Scouts in America for more than eight decades.

One British Scout leader discovered Las Vegas Boy Scout Troop 256 on the Internet and, persevering, met with them in person on April 8.

John Sparrow of Wiltshire, England, came to town for the National Association of Broadcasters, Troop 256 leader Daniel Russell said.

By day Sparrow tended a booth at the convention, but he took time out to attend the Las Vegas troop's meeting and met some of the 70 American boys who belong to Russell's troop.

Besides perseverance, Scouts learn encouragement and gratitude, Russell said.

"We're not a baby-sitting service," he said. "Boy Scouts learn to be friendly, courteous and kind. If they can't be kind, they have to find another troop.

"There are enough mean people in the world."

Russell said he ended up with the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor his son will achieve on April 27. Less than 2 percent of all Boy Scouts attain the rank of an Eagle Scout, he said.

Sparrow saw how an American troop works, with the Scouts learning everything from metal crafting to survival training. Scouts in Russell's troop have earned their wings in aviation or a badge in auto mechanics.

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