I love Scouting. I remember telling my parents I saw kids at school wearing blue vests with patches all over, and I wanted to join.
My dad looked into it and we found a meeting. The group wasn’t organized, and I told my dad, “This isn’t the same blue vest. This is a blue shirt!”
We attended another meeting at our Methodist Church. This time, the group was organized, had things scheduled out, were going to camp, and I could meet with other boys my age. It was great! I chose the blue button-up shirt over the vest and joined Cub Scout Pack 1453 in Sugarland, Texas. (I later learned the blue vest was through the Camp Fire program.) And with the Tiger Cub pilot program, my brother could join too.
It’s one of those moments you only recognize as significant when you’re older (maybe a little wiser) and upon reflection. Over the years I have seen what the program does for families. I certainly know how it has affected my life and my family.
So often we think of Scouting as a way to help transform youth – and rightfully so. But how many adults has it helped in our communities too?
I am the first person in my family to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, even though I am a fourth-generation Scout. Now, I have a son who has earned the rank too. I have never left Scouting since the first day I joined.
We have the opportunity to make this kind of change for families in our area by introducing them to Scouting. At the same time, we can ensure Scouting is stronger and better so that it thrives tomorrow.
As you may know, the fall is our biggest membership drive of the year. Montana Council has been tracking along in 2024 with above 2% membership growth. We are proud of these efforts and are exceeding last year’s growth. However, we should ask if we’re satisfied with 2,950 youth – less than 2% of available youth – enrolled across the entire state.
I argue, no.
I believe more youth in Scouting means more young people gaining access to life-changing leadership skills, to confidence-building programs, making friends, and screen-free fun and adventure.
What is holding Scouting back from inviting more youth and adults into the program?
One of our biggest challenges is finding the help we need to ensure Scouting gets stronger and is shared more often. We need a presence and to be seen.
I challenge everyone – if you want to experience one of the most beneficial rewards Scouting can offer – reach out to your District Executive and ask: How can I help recruit into Scouting or help start a new unit? I can promise you that there is nothing more rewarding.
Ask your District Executive what roles you can take on to help with membership planning or advising units, with creating better public awareness. Sometimes Scouters in elected positions throughout our communities can help connect and preserve the needs and values of Scouting.
I realize that many of us are busy. One thing I have learned is that busy people are good at knowing HOW to be busy. Please feel free to reach out to me, your District Executive, the Scout Office, or someone else you know in Scouting and ask: how can I help?
Yours in Scouting –
Pat Dannenberg
Director of Field Services
