Since I was a baby, I’ve been involved in Scouting with my older brothers. I went on my very first campout when I was 2 months old. From all the experiences I’ve had with my older brothers, packs, and troops, I had found a love for Scouting and could not wait to be a Tiger Scout myself.

Scouting has influenced me by giving me friendships and a place of safety. My experience in Scouting has grown, and being a leader has given me a lot of experience in teaching others. It has helped me bond with my fellow scouts during campouts, events, and more.

I have been a Den Chief, the Scribe, a Patrol Leader, and have worked as staff at the local Cub Scout Day Camp for at least 3 years, currently, I am the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. I also was a Counselor in Training at Goshen (Camp Olmsted) for one summer. I think being a Den Chief was my favorite in all these positions. I got to work with younger Cub Scouts and help lead their den meetings, teach them knots, games, skits, and songs, and then help them at Cub Scout Day Camp. As a Tiger Scout my first ‘big’ event was participating in a flag retirement ceremony with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). I didn’t quite understand then how important this was, but through my scouting career, I’ve realized the importance and respect of what it means to properly dispose of old flags by participating in more of these ceremonies and being part of Flag Day with my Troop locally.

I have learned many skills; navigation through orienteering, cooking through the merit badge, and how to help others in emergencies through first aid and emergency preparedness. Hospitality had a huge effect on my scouting experience, and getting the opportunity to lead a like-minded group of my peers was an honor. I have learned what it means to be a leader and gained more knowledge in leadership. Scouting has helped me in my life by reminding me that even when no one else is looking, I am a Scout and should follow the Scout Law and Oath in every aspect of what I do. I have noticed in the years of my career, that not many people understand the importance of scouting and why it was created to be what it is now, but I hope this article helps to clear some of the confusion up.

Remember, the experiences someone gains from scouting will last a lifetime! The friendships, skills, and values gained through this incredible journey have not only made ME a better person, but scouting as a whole has taken millions on journeys of their own, the value of scouting is invaluable. Scouts honor!