Bellevue resident John McGaw joined Boy Scout Troop 606 for the same reasons any other parent would.

He wanted to be involved with in son’s interests. He wanted to make sure the program was a good fit for his child and family. And admittedly, a part of him was interested in the program’s projects and activities.

But unlike some parents, McGaw stayed after his son left.

Instead, he continued to pursue leadership roles that propelled him into the role of scoutmaster, a position he held for more than 30 years.

“You get somebody who is interested in scouting like I was and one thing leads to another,” he said.

But in May, McGaw, now more than 80, retired and took emeritus status, stepping down as scoutmaster after almost four decades of service.

McGraw began working as the troop treasurer in 1960 when his son, Bruce, first joined the group. With no previous experience in Boy Scouts of America, McGaw thought this would be a good way to slowly get involved.

Over time, he became a committee chairman and later, the assistant scoutmaster.

Five years later, his son acquired an exploration post outside of Troop 606 and McGaw faced the decision on whether to leave or to stay.

Around the same time, parents approached McGaw asking him to become scoutmaster because the former leader had vacated the position. After talking with the parents, McGaw agreed.

During the next 30 years, McGaw learned a lot about scouting and leadership. From camping outdoors to inviting mothers into the troop to participate, a trend that began to grow after McGaw became involved in the program, he handled conflicts between parents and scouts and adapted to change.

But he also learned another valuable skill – decision making – which permeated into every aspect of his life, from scouting to his insurance company.

The most recent decision: let someone else take charge.

“I’ve gotten rained on for many years,” he said. “I felt it was appropriate to have someone in charge that is a few years younger than me.”

But despite his decision to step down, he doesn’t plan on abandoning the troop altogether.

McGaw will remain an advisory figure within Troop 606, offering counseling to anyone from the current scoutmaster to children and young adults pursuing their Eagle Scout. He will also continue to attend troop meetings and share his input.

“As long as you feel you’ve accomplished something and you enjoy doing it, why give it up?” he said.

Mary Jean Spadafora: 425-453-4270, ext. 28-5058;

mspadafora@bellevuereporter.com