A Scouting Journey that Lasts a Lifetime: Tony & Patrice Steenkolk
For Tony and Patrice Steenkolk, Scouting has never been just an activity for their children — it has become a lifelong commitment, a source of cherished memories, and a mission they now joyfully carry forward to support future generations.
Neither Tony nor Patrice grew up in Scouting. Tony recalls discovering Boy’s Life magazines at his family’s farmhouse on the Oregon Coast, and Patrice remembers her days as a Brownie selling cookies. But their family’s Scouting story began years later, when a neighbor knocked on their door and encouraged them to sign up their oldest son for Cub Scouts. That simple invitation set the Steenkolks on a remarkable path.
With four sons in the program, Scouting quickly became a way of life. Patrice laughs as she remembers “endless sewing of patches and badges on uniforms, laundry after camping trips, and mailing care packages to summer camp.” Yet the hard work was always worth it. “My reward was their proud smiles at pack meetings or Courts of Honor,” she says. Tony, meanwhile, poured himself into leadership roles, serving in nearly every position in both the pack and troop. “Yes, it was a time commitment,” he admits, “but the payoff was tremendous. All I remember is the fun and the good work accomplished by the pack and troop.”
That investment paid off in extraordinary ways: all four Steenkolk sons are Eagle Scouts and Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor members. More importantly, Tony and Patrice have seen firsthand how Scouting shaped their boys’ lives — in college, in careers, and in character.
Even after their sons aged out, Tony and Patrice chose to remain deeply involved. Patrice now lends her talents on both local and national levels, from serving on the Aptakisic District Eagle Boards of Review to chairing the Scholarship Committee for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Tony continues to lead as Council Commissioner and has devoted years to programs like National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), Wood Badge, and Okpik. Together, they also provide generous financial support, ensuring programs like Wood Badge, NYLT, and Catholic Scouting remain strong for the next generation.
Along the way, they’ve gathered their own favorite Scouting memories: family adventures at Philmont, Patrice working alongside her sons on NYLT staff, and Tony building and sleeping in a snow quinzee with his son in the Idaho mountains. “Only through Scouting could I ever have had that experience,” Tony reflects.
For the Steenkolks, Scouting is more than a program — it’s a calling. “Scouting has given so much to our family. We are compelled to pay that back,” Tony says. Patrice adds, “I know I’m making an impact by supporting Scouting in new roles — and I don’t even have to camp in a tent anymore!”
Their message to others who may be considering supporting Scouting is simple, but powerful. Tony encourages: “Make a difference in the world. Just get off the bench and go make the world a better place. You will have an impact through Scouting, whether through your talent, time, or treasure.” Patrice reflects on words she once read in The Wall Street Journal: “Find something meaningful that is bigger than yourself, simple as that. For seeing the good of another is more than living, it is loving.”
For Tony and Patrice Steenkolk, Scouting is that “something bigger.” And thanks to their generosity of time, talent, and treasure, countless young people will carry the adventure forward.