Letter from a Scout Dad

Working as a Scouting professional comes with many rewards. One of the greatest is the opportunity to travel across the country—sharing the successes of our District and Council, celebrating the growth of our Troop, and learning new ways to deliver stronger programs and better opportunities for the young people we serve in Troop 899 and throughout our Council.

But one of the most meaningful parts of the job happens in the most unexpected places.

Early one morning—4:30 a.m. to be exact—while sitting in the Myrtle Beach Airport, a gentleman approached me. He noticed the very obvious Scouting logo on my laptop and asked a simple question that led to a powerful conversation. We talked about what Troop 899 is, who we serve, and how Scouting has grown in Horry County over the past several years. I shared my personal journey in Scouting—as a youth, a volunteer, a professional, and most importantly, as a father.

I told him stories about Scouts who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout—and the bigger challenges they are now prepared to tackle because of that journey.

After all of that, he asked a question I’ve heard many times before:

“Why do you spend so much time and money on your kids being in Scouts? Why all the planning, the camping, the commitment?”

My answer probably wasn’t what he expected.

I don’t pay or give my time so my kids—or any kids—can simply wear a uniform or attend camp.

I’m making an investment.

And here’s what I’m investing in:

I’m investing so that children in my community learn discipline. So they learn how to care for both their bodies and their minds. So they develop an appreciation for nature and the world around them. So they learn how to work with others and be good teammates. So they develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

I invest so our kids learn how to deal with disappointment—how to recognize that when things don’t go as planned, the answer isn’t quitting, but working harder.

I invest so they learn how to set goals, achieve them, and then set even bigger ones. And just as importantly, when they don’t reach those goals, they learn how to reflect, adjust, and move forward—not fall apart.

I invest so our children learn resilience.

I invest so they understand that real success comes from hours of effort and preparation—and that meaningful results don’t happen overnight.

I invest for the lifelong friendships they will make.

I invest so my kids are learning, growing, and exploring—more green time, less screen time.

I invest for those moments when they return home from a campout or a long hike, exhausted in the best possible way—too fulfilled to be bored, too tired to get into trouble.

I invest to help them learn balance—how to manage the many demands life will throw at them mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I invest in the values this movement teaches: responsibility, commitment, respect, civility, citizenship, leadership, love of nature, service to others, and personal growth.

So no—I don’t pay for merit badge classes, camps, Order of the Arrow events, or simply to belong to a Troop.

I invest in giving young people the chance to become better than any of us ever were.

I invest because the adults guiding them are volunteers—people who give their time, creativity, patience, and heart without expecting anything in return.

I invest because we are building a culture of community for the future—one led by young people who understand and value trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, helpfulness, cheerfulness, and service.

I invest because what I give will never compare to what I get to witness: lives changing, confidence growing, and relationships being built.

I invest because Scouting creates a village—a family—that I am proud to belong to, and one I want my children, and someday my grandchildren, to be a part of.

Thank you to the Scouting Movement for creating opportunities that shape character, build skills, and prepare young people not just for the next rank—but for life.

Scouting teaches our youth to value life, serve others, and gives them the tools they need to build a better world.

If you want to be part of this investment, you can be.

Scouting thrives because caring adults choose to give their time, talents, and heart to the next generation. Whether you volunteer once a month or once a week, there is a place for you. Join us, stand alongside our youth, and help invest in building stronger families, stronger communities, and a better future—one Scout at a time.