Members of the community and the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council honored Michael Harleman at the annual Carbon County Friends of Scouting Dinner. About 120 people attended the dinner, which was held Thursday evening at Blue Mountain Ski Area and Resort in Palmerton.

Longtime friend and co-worker, Marlyn Kissner, the executive vice president of the Northern Region Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp., presented the Good Scout Award. Harleman is the chairman of the Carbon Chamber."He's been by my side from day one, even on the most difficult days," Kissner said.Calling him "our man of steel," Kissner said Harleman greets people with a big smile and a hug, and she thanked him for always being there for her and others as a "mentor, inspiration and friend."With a big smile, Harleman accepted the award and thanked all of those involved, but he quickly turned the focus of his speech to spotlight the Boy Scouts.Harleman asked the Scouts in attendance to join him up front. Four Boy Scouts and an Eagle Scout stepped forward and stood as a group to the side. His speech had become interactive. Harleman explained to them that when he pointed to them, they should say, "Boy Scout."After a couple of rehearsals, he began his story.Harleman talked about a Boy Scout camping trip he had gone on with his son. They pitched their individual tents, and during the night, there was a thunderstorm. He woke up wondering if he was OK, but figured he was because he had pitched his tent on a mound and was dry. And after all, he is a (and Harleman pointed to the group of boys) "Boy Scout," they replied loudly.The story continued.In the morning, he awoke and another father asked him about his son. Harleman replied that he thought he was fine, because after all he's a "Boy Scout," the boys replied when prompted.Then they saw the tent zipper on his son's tent go up a little, a hand came out, patted the ground, went back in and the zipper went down. "What's he doing," they wondered. The zipper goes up again, and he puts out a camp stove; zipper goes down. A little while later, the zipper goes up and he puts out a cup, and pours in a pack of powder. He was making hot chocolate, Harleman said, and his whole breakfast."All of these skills, from making fire, to pitching a tent, to making breakfast, were learned in Scouting," he said. "That's why I'm here tonight to support you."In addition to honoring Harleman, Master of Ceremonies Joe Guardiani announced that the donations to the Minsi Trails Council received totaled $21,000.Eagle Scout Benjamin Everett of Palmerton told the audience that Scouting has "greatly prepared him for life. Now, a college student at Penn State Lehigh Valley, he said the experience taught him leadership skills, as well as the importance of being on time, and doing what you promise to do. He also learned that doing a task fast, but wrong, isn't right."Rushing rarely saves time," he said. "It's best to do something right the first time."Scout Executive Craig Poland wrapped up the evening with closing remarks. He said Tufts University did a study to determine if Scouting had an effect on boys. The university found that after three years, Scouts were significantly more cheerful, helpful, kind, obedient, trustworthy and hopeful for the future than the boys in the group who did not participate in Scouting, he said. The study also found that as the boys grew older, non-Scouts said "winning and being the best" were their goals. Those involved in Scouting said their goals were "helping other people and doing your best.""Scouting builds character in youth," Poland said.