As a longtime Scout mom, I’ve seen how Scouting has shaped both of my children in amazing ways. My daughter, Suzy, is a determined and fearless six-year-old Cub Scout. Her decision to join was inspired by her older brother, Aiden, a 16-year-old Life Scout. Aiden joined Scouting in first grade and is now working hard to earn his Eagle Scout rank. As a military family, we’ve moved more times than we can count, and finding consistency for our kids was always a challenge. But since there are Packs and Troops across the country, one thing that’s been consistent everywhere we’ve lived is Scouting. No matter where we go, our children have thrived in Scouting, and it’s been a lifeline in keeping them engaged with their peers and grounded in something familiar.
Aiden’s Scouting journey has been filled with adventure, leadership, and growth, and he’s embraced every opportunity to challenge himself. Suzy looks up to him in a way only a little sister can—with admiration and excitement for her own Scouting future. When she sees Aiden leading his troop, mentoring younger Scouts, or even working as a camp counselor at Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation, she knows she’s witnessing something special. For her, seeing how much fun Aiden was having in Scouting made it an easy decision to follow in his footsteps.
Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, rebranded its program to include girls, giving both Suzy and Aiden the opportunity to experience the same adventures together. What stands out the most is how much they’ve grown—not just individually, but as siblings. Suzy looks up to Aiden and is always eager to show him her latest achievements. Meanwhile, Aiden, with his patient, thoughtful approach, has become a mentor to her, offering guidance on everything from Pinewood Derby cars to outdoor skills.
For our family, Scouting is more than just an activity—it’s a foundation that has given our kids consistency, values, and a sense of belonging no matter where we are. It’s taught them leadership, teamwork, and resilience, all while making lifelong friends and memories.
If you’re looking for something that can grow with your family, wherever life takes you, I encourage you to give Scouting a try. It’s truly made a difference for us, and I know it can for you, too.
The Baltimore Area Council, Scouting America has a new membership drive aimed at inviting area youth to join the ranks of Scouting. The membership drive seeks to expand the reach of Scouting programs across the region, fostering leadership, adventure, and lifelong skills among youth. Girls and boys, from kindergarten to age 17, can join Scouting America’s programs, beginning with Cub Scouts (K-5th Grade).
Key benefits of joining Scouting America include:
- Leadership Development: Scouts learn to lead by example and work as part of a team through hands-on experiences.
- Outdoor Skills: From camping and hiking to first aid and wilderness survival, Scouts gain practical knowledge and confidence in the outdoors.
- Community Service: Scouts engage in meaningful service projects that make a positive impact on their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy.
- Merit Badges: Through a diverse range of merit badge programs, Scouts explore their interests and develop new skills under the guidance of trained adult leaders.
- Lifetime Friendships: Scouting provides opportunities to build lasting friendships with peers who share common interests and values.
The Baltimore Area Council provides Scouting programs to the youth in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County.
Parents interested in enrolling their children in Scouting are encouraged to visit www.BeAScout.org for more information on local Scout units, upcoming events and registration details.
About the Author: Marianna Ross is the District Director of Scouting America for the Baltimore Area Council. She has a deep passion for improving the lives of children and youth through out-of-school learning. Her daughter is a Tiger in Cub Scouts and Marianna is her volunteer Den Leader.
About Baltimore Area Council, Scouting America: The Baltimore Area Council, Scouting America is an independent not-for-profit entity responsible for delivering Scouting programs to young people in Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties.
