I’ve been involved in Scouting for most of my life. As a youth, I participated in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Life Scout before stepping away during my freshman year of high school because of competing priorities. Looking back, I wish I had stayed the course and earned my Eagle Scout rank.
Years later, when my oldest child joined our local Cub Scout pack, I was encouraged to become a Den Leader. I accepted the role with some hesitation, but it quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. A year later, our Cubmaster invited me to coffee, slid the Cubmaster patch across the table, and asked me to lead the pack. I accepted, and the next three and a half years became some of my favorite years in Scouting.
As Cubmaster, I had the opportunity to use my professional skills in a completely different way. I helped improve how the pack operated and created new, engaging events for our Scouts. It was incredibly rewarding to bring the idea of “Fun with a Purpose” to life and watch young people grow through those experiences.
I’ve stayed involved in Scouting because I firmly believe in the value it provides to young people. I could write thousands of words about the benefits of camping, service, leadership, ethics, and learning to work with others. The truth is simple: if young people stick with Scouting, they gain far more than they often realize. They develop confidence, resilience, and an understanding of what they are capable of achieving.
Not every Scout becomes an Eagle Scout or goes on to become a community leader, but every Scout gains something important—they learn what good looks like. They see positive role models, experience teamwork, and begin to understand the kind of person they want to become.
That belief is why I continue to support Scouting today. I donate financially, support my local unit, and plan to dedicate even more of my time and resources to Scouting in retirement. My hope is to help bring the benefits of Scouting to the communities that need it most.
In today’s world, we face challenges that previous generations never imagined—artificial intelligence, endless screen time, and increasing social isolation. Yet the solution to many of these challenges can be surprisingly simple: put young people outside, give them opportunities to solve problems together, teach them practical skills, and let them discover who they are. Scouting builds confidence, develops leadership, and creates lifelong friendships.
As I look to the future, my hope for Scouting is that we continue to find ways to reach the young people who need it most. Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the lessons and values that Scouting provides.
That is why I support Scouting—because I have seen firsthand the difference it makes, and I believe every young person should have the chance to discover their potential through this remarkable program.