For Ryan Bond, Scouting isn’t just something he volunteers for — it’s something he lives.
An Eagle Scout himself, Ryan has spent more than 40 years experiencing Scouting from nearly every angle: as a youth member, as a father, and now as a dedicated volunteer. Today, he serves Troop 916 as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Mate and previously as a Cubmaster, while proudly watching his sons Tristan, a Life Scout, and Rowan, a Star Scout, continue their own Scouting journeys. In addition, you will see Ryan with a camera as he supports the council's communication efforts with with photos and videos.
But for Ryan, volunteering is about more than helping run meetings or campouts.
It’s about being present.
A Front-Row Seat to Growth
“As an Eagle Scout and a father, I see immense value in serving an organization that allows me to lead alongside my children,” Ryan shares.
In a world where parents often watch from the sidelines — at school events, sporting games, or club activities — Scouting offers something different. It offers integration.
Scouting allows Ryan to actively participate in his children’s development. He doesn’t just hear about their growth; he witnesses it firsthand. He sees them learn resilience on campouts, step into leadership roles, solve problems, and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
“I get the unique privilege of watching them — and their peers — grow and mature from a front-row seat.”
And in mentoring youth, Ryan has discovered something powerful: teaching others strengthens him, too.
“Teaching these skills pushes my own personal growth. It makes me a better professional, friend, partner, and person.”
Giving Back Beyond the Troop
Ryan’s commitment doesn’t stop at his unit.
Having experienced Scouting for decades, he understands something many longtime volunteers come to realize: the Scouting family is much bigger than one troop.
“Volunteering at the district or council level allows me to give back to the broader community that supported my own journey.”
By stepping into roles beyond Troop 916, Ryan helps ensure that the program remains strong — not just for his own sons, but for every Scout who will come after them. It’s a long-view investment in leadership, character, and community.
Because someone once built the program that shaped him. Now, he’s helping build it for the next generation.
A Message to Parents
For parents who are considering getting involved but feel unsure, Ryan offers simple, practical advice:
Start small and specific. You don’t have to do everything. Whether it’s serving on a unit committee, becoming a merit badge counselor, or helping as a Den Leader, there are countless ways to make a difference.
Leverage your real-world skills. Your profession, hobbies, and passions have real value. Scouts are often inspired by what the adults in their lives can do — and those connections can spark lifelong interests.
Get trained. Programs like Wood Badge don’t just develop better Scouters — they build stronger leaders in every part of life.
And finally, evolve your role. As children grow and eventually age out, there are always new ways to serve. The experience gained along the way becomes a gift that can benefit neighboring units, the district, or the entire council.
Supporting Scouting Is Supporting Youth
Ryan’s story is a reminder that supporting Scouting is not just about volunteering hours. It’s about investing in people.
It’s about strengthening families.
It’s about building leaders.
It’s about giving back to a movement that shapes character for life.
For Ryan Bond, Scouting isn’t just an activity on the calendar. It’s a lifelong commitment to growth — his own, his children’s, and the countless youth whose lives are changed through the program.
And like so many volunteers across the Northeast Illinois Council, he’s proof that when adults step forward, Scouts step up.