Alumni Portrait - Being Prepared for 71 Years by Michael Kashgarian Staff Writer for the Midland (Texas) Reporter-Telegram Editor's Note: P K. Hurlbut graduated with a geological engineering degree from Mines in 1940. The following article appeared in the Jan. 20, 1997 issue of the Midland Reporter Telegram and was reprinted with permission. P. K. Hurlbut's enthusiasm for the Boy Scouts has remained strong since the day he became a scout on his 12th birthday 71 years ago. "I was real active as a kid. I loved scouting. I couldn't get enough of it," he said. Since then, Hurlbut has raised three sons that all achieved Eagle Scout, helped 26 boys become Eagle Scouts and has been active in councils in Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Montana. Just recently, eight local boys in Troop 231 attended their Court of Honor to receive their Eagles. Hurlbut helped those youngsters achieve the highest rank in scouting. The 83 year old's love for scouting is rooted in his childhood. He joined the organization—Troop 13—while growing up in Joplin, Mo. Today he still has his original scouting handbook—which listed him as 4 feet 11 and 65 pounds—and the Eagle Scout medal he earned 67 years ago. Hurlbut recalled having to walk or ride his bicycle to camping trips where they slept with old army blankets instead of modem sleeping bags. "I really enjoyed the camping and exploring," he said. As an adult, he enjoys the challenge of helping youngsters in learning the achievements afforded by being a Boy Scout. Hurlbut said he has taken a particular interest in helping disadvantaged Scouts. He recalled helping a boy named Frankie—who had been picked on by other Scouts—about 10 years ago. "I worked with him and worked with him and worked with him to get those final merit badges to become an Eagle Scout," he said. Frankie has not forgotten Hurlbut. A couple of years ago, Frankie—with his wife and two boys—visited Hurlbut at his home. There was one boy who Hurlbut worked with to become an Eagle but never achieved the honor due to unfortunate family circumstances. "In lieu of that I helped him go through college. He got his masters and now he's at the University of Pennsylvania and will be receiving his Ph.D.," he said. Hurlbut said that since he was a youngster, the basic ideals of the Boy Scouts have remained the same. "The old basic picture of the Boy Scout helping the poor old lady across the street hasn't changed a bit," he said. There have been some improvements though, he said. In recent years, the scouts have become more environmentally directed, promoted more family involvement and adjusted requirements for achieving ranks to compensate for geographical differences, he said. Over the years, Hurlbut has continued to grow with the Boy Scouts. In 1977, he became a Silver Beaver—one of the highest awards for adults involved in scouting—from the Cooper Council in Arizona for his work with the Navajo tribe. In 1986, Hurlbut received a Wood Badge, presented for attending a special course that teaches adults the skills to help teach others. Today, Hurlbut's enthusiasm for scouting seems as strong as ever. Hurlbut—who has attended 56 weeks of summer camp—plans to go to summer camp this year in Wehinahapay, N.M., where he has taught geology to the youngsters for the past three years. Mines Magazine March/April 1997