Youth have joined Scouting at various ages and rose to success, demonstrating the possibilities you can experience as a Scout no matter when you start.
Roberto R., a freshman in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, is a prime example of success in only four years. He started Scouting in December of 2020 for Troop 98 and in 2022, he was inducted in the Order of the Arrow. After only three years of Scouting, Roberto received his Eagle in 2023 and worked at Philmont Scout Ranch for the 2024 summer session.
Roberto encouraged youth, even if they’re in 8th grade, to join Scouting America because it teaches skills and forms connections like nothing else.
“Scouting is not only going to help you learn those [skills]. It’ll also help you learn so much more,” Roberto said. “And if you get Eagle, that’s not only your brotherhood right there, but it shows how well you can work.”
He was persuaded to join Scouting when his uncle passed away, who often encouraged him to join the program and had two sons who earned their Eagle.
Because of Scouting, Roberto was able to enjoy and strengthen his love for fishing because his Troop would often have projects related to his interests. He now majors in fish conservation.
“I came to really understand the whole issue we have with conservation and invasive species, and it’s become my passion to deal with,” Roberto said.
Back in 8th grade, Roberto witnessed a women get her heel stuck in between two bricks at St. Johns Church. The bricks were falling apart and from that moment, Roberto knew what was going to be his Eagle Scout Project.
“It was sort of a project from the start of my Scouting journey,” Roberto said. “I was just like, ‘That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to end up helping them some way, shape or form.’”
The full project consisted of laying down 210 by 6 feet of a brick pathway with no mortar and instead patting down sand. Roberto received help from the OA, his family, Troop and friends.
As a Senior Patrol Leader, Roberto expressed challenges he faced of motivating Scouts to complete a task. His technique of overcoming this hardship was to pair them with another Scout.
“Find a new Scout that’s incredibly motivated or an older Scout that knows the experience, you pair them with the unmotivated Scout to try and accomplish a goal,” Roberto said.
Along with this exceptional leadership training, Scouting allowed Roberto to develop values in community service, helping others and patriotism. He also feels impacted by the Scout Law and Oath and has joined several community service organizations.
“Scout Law makes up being a good person and I’ve shaped my life around that,” Roberto said.
Roberto is considering a career as a game warden for the Department of Wildlife Resources in Virginia or a special agent in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but he is not set on anything yet.
Reflecting on his experience in Scouting, Roberto acknowledged how much the program has helped him and has often pushed Scouts towards earning their Eagle.
“Every Scout that I’ve told, ‘Hey you’re going to make it to Eagle Scout. I know it.’ It gives them confidence and pushes them all the way,” Roberto said. “They always make it.”
On November 7, 2024, Col. Frank Harris, III, age 100, was recognized as the oldest Marine at Quantico’s annual USMC birthday celebration. Col. Harris, a veteran of WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, has served as the Charter Organization Representative of Troop 121 for the past 20 years. He was also a Scoutmaster of the same Troop in the early 1960s.
On November 9, 2024, Gregory Bodge of Troop 907 was awarded 
She is a Level 2/Master Educator for Leave No Trace. Her leadership has helped build a robust group of Outdoor Ethics Trainers, both adult, and Scouts, who deliver programs throughout the NCAC and even to other councils and the Philmont Ranger cadre.
