During the 2025 fundraising season, JJ showed what dedication, resilience, and the true spirit of Scouting look like in action. JJ committed nearly every possible moment to fundraising this year and finished the season with more than $28,000 in sales, primarily through storefront sales. But his impact went far beyond numbers. He also gave back to his troop by helping fellow Scouts earn their Salesmanship merit badge, sharing how he approaches customers, learns his products, and—most importantly—handles rejection with confidence and resilience.
Moments That Mattered Most
Some of JJ’s favorite memories from this season weren’t about sales totals at all. One highlight was attending a Chicago Wolves hockey game, a special experience earned through Scouting that reminded him that hard work is recognized and celebrated.
Another unforgettable moment is captured in a photo from his very last sale of the season. The customer, a young man holding a bag of caramel corn, had just finished a shift at a local restaurant and was genuinely excited to help JJ reach his goal. It was a simple interaction—but one that perfectly reflects the generosity and community spirit that Scouting inspires.
A Journey of Growth
JJ has been in Scouting for just over three years, and this was his third fundraising season. In that short time, he has sold and fundraised nearly $65,000.
When JJ first started, he was incredibly shy. That changed quickly after his very first day of selling—walking through Grandma and Grandpa’s neighborhood. He didn’t want to stop. After five hours, he had sold $750, and something clicked.
Along the way, we talked often about how fundraising supports the Scouting community and how the incentive point system works. As JJ continued to succeed, we made an agreement that any gift cards he earned would be “bought out” by mom and dad, with the cash placed into a fund for future High Adventure and Jamboree trips. We wanted JJ to truly earn his way and understand the value of hard work, goal-setting, and long-term planning.
More Than Fundraising
Fundraising has become something JJ genuinely loves—not just for the challenge, but for the people he meets. Community members offer encouragement, share advice, and cheer him on. His favorite interactions are with Eagle Scouts. He loves asking when they earned their rank, what it means to them, and which President sent their congratulatory letter.
Through these experiences, Scouting has opened doors JJ never would have encountered otherwise. He has received more than a dozen job offers, and it’s clear that the communication skills, confidence, and resilience he has gained will serve him well throughout his life.
Investing in a Scout
For anyone who believes only younger Scouts can be successful fundraisers, JJ—and so many other older Scouts—prove otherwise. It can be done. Most community members aren’t buying a $20 bag of popcorn; they’re investing in a Scout and in the values Scouting represents.
That belief, that connection, is what makes this program so special.
"Thank you to the Northeast Illinois Council (NEIC) for the incredible support, opportunities, and growth you provide for our children," says Amy, JJ's mother.
Stories like JJ’s are a powerful reminder of why Scouting matters—and why it works.