MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Youth violence seems to be a never-ending problem in Memphis.
So far this year, more than a dozen children were killed, many shot and some pulled the trigger.
One of the neighborhoods no stranger to young tragedy is Frayser.
It’s where the Boy Scouts are now focusing their attention.
“All I want to do with scouting is teach the youth to honor God and country and themselves,” said James Malone, the Boy Scouts of America Wolf River District executive.
Malone said the national organization provides mentors, skills and character building.
He has no doubt it will curb youth violence in Frayser where just last month a teen was shot and killed at a playground.
“Every boy wants to be a part of Boy Scouts, but the closest pack or troop is in Raleigh,” he said.
The good news: a non-profit offered its land in Frayser for meetings and camping trips.
All Malone needs now is volunteers.
“Police or fire. Clergy would be awesome. They can run a Dairy Queen. I don’t care,” he said.
Malone wishes he had Boy Scouts when he was growing up in Detroit.
He lost his friend to violence in the third grade.
“And now I`m here, and I`m seeing a lot of people lose friends,” he said.
If you want to volunteer, call Malone at 901-327-4193 or email him at james.malone@scouting.org.
If you’re interested in the program for you child, click here.