WESTMINSTER, CO (KDVR/CNN) - Ames Mayfield is a Cub Scout, a program designed for young boys that serves as an introduction to the Boy Scouts.
His latest Cub Scout task - to make the world a better place during a pack meeting with State Senator Vicki Marble, R-Fort Collins - got him into hot water with his pack.
"This was the assignment. He was supposed to ask about research and ask a question that impacts our community," said his mother, Lori Mayfield.
Ames came up with a tough question that had even tougher consequences: "An issue that I'm concerned about is common-sense gun control. I was shocked that you cosponsored a bill to allow domestic violence offenders to continue to own a gun. Why on earth would you want somebody who beats their wife to have access to a gun?"
"The pack leader said he thought his questioning was disrespectful," Lori Mayfield said.
"She told me I was going to have to go into Boy Scouts because I was kicked out of the den," Ames said.
His mom said the topic of gun control was supposed to be off-limits.
"Given that the Las Vegas shooting happened, I felt that it should be are reasonable thing to ask," she said.
His pack didn't agree, but former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords did.
The gun control advocate tweeted, "This is exactly the kind of courage we need in Congress. Ames, call me in 14 years. I'll campaign for you."
"It brought tears to my eyes," Lori Mayfield said.
"I'm kind of glad to have someone on my side that truly understands it," Ames said.
Her words brought inspiration to this young man, who learned an important life lesson for which badges aren't made.
"I'd recommend stay in scouts and believe what you want to believe. If you want to express your opinion, that's totally fine," Ames said.
Ames since has been invited to another den and will become a Boy Scout next year.
Copyright 2017 KDVR via CNN. All rights reserved. Raycom News Network contributed to this reported.
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