It seems a fair statement that to know me is to know at least a little something of Scouting. It is one of my favorite things to discuss at great length, and my friends like to joke that I could write books about everything Scouting has taught me throughout my life, which is something I am considering exploring with my father. But the question is, what does it mean to be a Scout? To me it means being a part of something that is bigger than yourself, and despite some of its issues I truly believe that this organization has the power to change lives. It has certainly changed mine in the nearly five years I have been an official member, going so far as to earn my Eagle (the highest rank). There are almost too many examples of this impact, but one in particular stands out. In the summer of 2025, I was privileged to work at Philmont Scout Ranch (Philmont), a Scouting high adventure base spanning nearly 220 square miles of wilderness in New Mexico, as a Ranger. There were about 18,000 participants sorted into crews for a backpacking trek, and each of these crews gets one Ranger who preps, guides, and teaches them for their trek. It is with humble pride in my job that I consider the idea that although a Ranger may have many crews, a crew only has one Ranger as they experience what is considered the “premier” of Scouting by many. It was an amazing experience for leadership growth and served to also strengthen my love for the environment.
Scouting is a place I have definitely made great commitments to. It is somewhere I feel welcome to be myself, and I truly have made some of the best friendships with people who are closer to family to me. This sense of belonging and connection is something I truly wish for everyone because as I have mentioned it has changed my life. However, the most valuable impact of this in my life is one I had not even fully considered until my Council (a Scout Council operates in a certain geographic area as a way to separate our nation into manageable sections; think school district but bigger) president brought it to my attention when he spoke at my Eagle ceremony, and I think it is applicable to anyone in society today, Scout or not.
*A quick note: it is traditional to have several speeches at such a ceremony, usually by important or influential people in the Scout’s life, and then also one by the Scout themself.
In my president’s speech, he posited that Scouting is the solution to bridge divisions and unify the world to overcome many of the problems he believes we are facing today, for example overindividualism and a refusal to be kind to others. He used me as an example to explain his point and said that he believes I am part of the solution, and asked things of those in attendance such as, “stand up if you have ever seen Meghan help someone in her family” or “stand up in you have ever seen Meghan do something kind in her Scout troop” etcetera. When he was done, everyone was standing except me.
It is interesting to me that a program more widely known for cultivating a culture of outdoor love can truly have deeper impacts in its power to bring people together and foster strong connections. Especially in the US, many conversations revolve around oneself, to the point of obsession; especially on social media with the rise of influencer as a “valid” career path. Most statements, verbal or digital, begin with the word “I.” But then we (and I am including myself here, don’t worry) are so quick to whip around and point the finger of blame anywhere but ourself for the reason others are not kind to us. No, we cannot change others’ behavior. But, behavior changes can start, and it should start with us, because that is the only person you can control. It can start small, for example, try decentering conversations, ask someone how their day was, and actually listen to what they say in response. Make sure to put down your phone so they know you are listening! I don’t claim to be an expert on any of this, especially because I am still on the younger side of life. But, I think my Council president made some good points about the need for connection in an increasingly technological society. Moreover, sometimes it really is the best thing to go outside and touch grass.
So, is Scouting the solution that will save the world? I am not sure, but I think it saved me, and I am grateful for that fact. But, the rest is up to you. Reach out to those in need. Donate to fundraisers or charities if you can. Everyone says “it takes a village,” so be a villager to someone, without expecting something in return. Let’s build a more civil world together!