"if you get knotted up along the way, your fellow scouts are there to untangle you"

Beginning your journey into Scouting may seem like a big step for those new to it, but it shouldn’t be worrisome. In fact, it’s something to be excited about. You’re joining a program where you get to camp and hike, help others, learn life skills, and make some of the best friends you’ll ever have. And you don’t need to figure it all out alone. In Troop 4066, adult leaders help guide you through the ranks. However, fellow scouts are always there to teach, help, and lead their companions on their journey to success. 

As some of Troop 4066’s older scouts get ready to complete the final steps of their Scouting journey, they wanted to give younger Scouts some advice. They all started as Tenderfoots, and they’ve learned a lot along the way. Here’s what they want to share with you.

Alec would tell younger scouts to keep showing up to meetings and campouts. He says that one of the biggest secrets to success in Scouting is consistency. He laughs when he talks about his early years...

“I wasn’t the fastest to earn ranks or badges. Some things took me forever, and I wish I had started them sooner. But I kept showing up to meetings, going on campouts, and taking on little responsibilities. Eventually, it all added up.”

"You don’t have to be perfect or know everything, just keep moving forward."

Finn would tell younger scouts to keep trying new things. If there’s a Scout who’s always signing up for a new adventure, it’s Finn. He says the best part of Scouting is discovering new interests...

“Half the things I ended up loving in Scouts were things I almost didn’t try, like swimming a mile or taking the chess merit badge. My only regret is not going on a High Adventure. The more you get involved, the more fun you have.”

"Be curious. Go on the high-adventure trips, volunteer for roles, and step out of your comfort zone."

Sam would tell younger scouts to make friends with scouts of all ages and patrols. Sam says the relationships you build along the way matter more than the patches you earn.

“You’re going to remember the people more than anything else. When your patrol is laughing around a fire or struggling with the tent that won’t go up, those are the moments you remember the most. Your fellow scouts make Scouting awesome.”

"Make friends, help each other out, be patient, and enjoy the weird, funny, chaotic moments. Those are the memories that stick."

All three rising Eagles also agreed on one very important thing; Starting Early.

Work on merit badges bit by bit, and don’t procrastinate on big requirements like leadership roles or your Eagle project. It will help so much in the future. At the end of the day, Alec, Finn, and Sam want younger Scouts to know that Scouting isn’t about being perfect or fearless, it’s about having fun, learning new things, and growing along the way. Scouting is an adventure, not something to be nervous about.

When you join Troop 4066, you’re joining an adventure. And if you get knotted up along the way, your fellow scouts are there to untangle you.