Scouts BSA Girls Troop 1975

06/19/2026

Scoutmaster Minute: Roots of Freedom

As I walked this morning, I noticed the roots of several trees along the sidewalk. Some were hidden beneath mulch. Others had pushed through the surface where everyone could see them. Whether visible or not, those roots were still there, supporting the tree and helping it grow.

Juneteenth reminds us of something similar.

When President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, slavery was declared ended in the Confederate states. But freedom did not reach everyone immediately. It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that the news finally reached enslaved people in Texas. For them, Juneteenth was a day of freedom, hope, and new beginnings.

For many years, Juneteenth was celebrated primarily within Black communities. The roots of that celebration remained strong, even when much of the country knew little about it.

Five years ago, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, bringing greater awareness to a story that had always been an important part of American history.

Scouting teaches us that every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Over the years, Scouting itself has continued to grow.

Opportunities that were once unavailable to some are now open to more young people. In 2019, girls were welcomed into Scouts BSA and given the opportunity to earn the Eagle Scout rank alongside boys.

That change didn't take anything away from anyone, it expanded opportunities and strengthened Scouting.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom and opportunity are not just about laws being written. They are about ensuring that people can fully participate, contribute, and pursue their dreams.

As Scouts, we promise to help other people at all times. Being Kind means recognizing that everyone's journey has not been the same. It means listening, learning, and helping create a community where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Like those roots beneath the trees, progress may not always be visible right away. But when we nurture it with kindness, respect, and understanding, it helps everyone grow stronger.

A Scout is Kind. A Scout is Helpful. A Scout is Brave.
And a Scout understands that a stronger troop, and a stronger nation. is built when everyone has the opportunity to grow.

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

I Voted

Voting is not just a right for me, it is a privilege.

I've voted in every election since I turned 18. Some of the candidates I supported won, and some lost, but I've never regretted casting my ballot. Voting has never been about finding someone who can solve every problem. No elected official can do that.

We are not a monolithic nation. We are a diverse country with different experiences, priorities, needs, and opinions. What I hope for from those who represent me is simple: that they do their best, make every effort to do the right thing, and serve with integrity.

I also recognize that there will be times when the decisions they make are not the decisions I would choose. That's part of governing. In a nation as diverse as ours, compromise is not a weakness., it is often a necessity.

I was fortunate to serve as a Congressional Intern and see government up close. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the process and a better understanding of how difficult public service can be.

I was especially fortunate to do so during a time when Congress was truly bipartisan, when disagreement did not automatically mean disrespect, and when finding common ground was still viewed as part of the job.

This is one reason I value Scouting so much. One of the aims of Scouting is citizenship. We teach young people that being a good citizen means more than reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or earning a merit badge.

It means being informed, participating in your community, respecting differing viewpoints, and working with others toward a common goal.

Scouts learn that leadership is about service and that people can disagree without being disagreeable.

The Scout Law reminds us to be Courteous, Kind, and Helpful. Those values are just as important in civic life as they are around a campfire.

A healthy democracy depends on people who are willing to listen, engage respectfully, and recognize that no one person has all the answers.

Last night, as I placed my ballot and received my "I Voted" sticker, I was reminded that democracy works best when we participate.

Whether our preferred candidates win or lose, our responsibility remains the same: stay engaged, stay informed, and continue working together to strengthen our communities.

Because at the end of the day, voting isn't just about choosing leaders. It's about citizenship in action. And that's a lesson worth passing on to the next generation.

06/17/2026

The Direction We Choose

Every morning my walk begins with a choice.

When I reach the end of the driveway, I decide which neighborhood to explore. Some days I head left, other days I go right, and occasionally, I start one way and then turn around and go the other.

Life is full of choices like that.

We choose our direction, our priorities, and how we spend our time and energy.

But some of the most important choices have nothing to do with where we're going.

We choose whether to be kind or critical, whether to be curious or judgmental, whether to look for common ground or focus on what divides us, and we choose how we react to the people we encounter along the way.

As Scouts, we're reminded to be Kind. Not just when it's easy, but especially when it's difficult. Kindness is not something that simply happens; it is a decision we make over and over again.

Someone may disagree with us, may frustrate us, and may see the world differently than we do. We can't always control their actions, but we can control our response.

The arrows in the road may point in different directions, but the values that guide us don't have to change.

The sunrise doesn't care which side of the road we're standing on. Its light reaches everyone equally. In much the same way, kindness has a way of crossing boundaries, bridging differences, and helping us find our way forward together.

Every day presents countless choices.

The direction we walk may vary, the direction of our character should not.

06/16/2026

End of School Year Emotions

Last day of school in my county, and it comes with mixed emotions for teachers, parents, bus drivers, and of course students.

The other morning, as I passed a few little ones waiting for their bus, I asked them if they were excited that they only had a few more days left. Not every one of them was. One child simply said, "No," and there was a sadness behind the response that spoke volumes.

I don't know the reason for that response. Maybe it was about friends, a favorite teacher, a routine, or something else entirely. What I do know is that it served as a reminder of how important connections are for all of us.

As Scouts, we talk often about being kind, helpful, and friendly. Those values are built on relationships. Whether it's a classmate, teacher, Scout leader, friend, or family member, the connections we make can have a lasting impact.

Sometimes we don't realize just how meaningful those connections are until a chapter is coming to an end.

The end of a school year is more than turning in books and cleaning out desks. For many, it's saying goodbye to people who have helped them learn, grow, and feel like they belong.

That brief conversation reminded me that one of the greatest gifts we can offer others is our presence.

A kind word, a listening ear, an encouraging smile, or simply showing up can make a difference in someone's life.

As their summer break begins, may we all remember the importance of building and strengthening connections.

You never know how much a relationship may mean to someone else, or how much they may mean to you.

Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and families on completing another school year.

Here's to a summer filled with adventure, growth, and opportunities to continue making meaningful connections.

06/15/2026

What's in a Name?

One of the first things Scouts learn is that words matter.

The Scout Law doesn't just ask us to be brave or loyal. It asks us to be Kind.

During my walk this morning, I found myself looking down a long stretch of road. The destination wasn't visible, but the road was clear. The power lines overhead seemed to point toward the horizon, a reminder that progress doesn't require seeing the entire journey. It only requires continuing forward.

Lately, it appears that more and more people are using some of the most vile names imaginable to describe certain women. They throw insults as if cruelty is strength and disrespect is something to be admired. It isn't.

In Scouting, we teach young people that character is revealed by how we treat others, especially when we disagree with them.

Name-calling doesn't elevate an argument, it diminishes the person making it.

What strikes me most is that many of the women being targeted continue to move forward anyway. They lead, serve, mentor, and create opportunities for others. While some people focus on labels, these women focus on the road ahead.

There's a lesson in that.

Today's calendar message reminded me: "I've never looked back and wished I'd worried more."

I suspect many of these women would say the same thing. They didn't get where they are by worrying about every insult thrown their way. They got there by continuing the journey despite the noise.

When you are making a difference, you will sometimes become a target. When you challenge old assumptions, you will face resistance. When you help shape the future, not everyone will applaud.

But kindness isn't weakness, respect isn't surrender, and character isn't determined by what people call you. It's determined by how you respond.

Every Scout knows that a person's worth is measured by their actions, not by the names others choose to use. And every one of us should remember that none of us got here alone. We all owe our existence, our lessons, and many of our opportunities to women who helped shape our lives.

The next generation is watching how we treat one another. If we want them to build a better world, we need to model something better than insults.

A Scout is Kind.

And sometimes the strongest thing you can do is keep your eyes on the road ahead and refuse to let someone else's words determine your direction.

06/15/2026

Once a Scout, Always a Scout...

06/14/2026

Flags, Pinwheels, and a Patriotic Goose

My morning walk today felt a little like a neighborhood Flag Day parade.

There were patriotic wreaths on front doors, flags tucked into flower beds, red, white, and blue decorations on mailboxes, and even a goose proudly dressed for the occasion. Each home had found its own unique way to celebrate.

As I walked, I thought about the reason behind Flag Day. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag of the United States. What began as thirteen stars and thirteen stripes has grown and changed along with the nation itself, but the flag remains a symbol of our shared story.

The flag has witnessed moments of triumph and moments of challenge. It has flown during celebrations, hardships, discoveries, and change. Through it all, it has remained a symbol of possibility, the belief that people from different backgrounds can come together and work toward a common future.

For Scouts, that lesson feels especially relevant. From the earliest days of Scouting, we gather around the flag at meetings, campouts, courts of honor, and community events. We learn how to care for it, how to present it, and how to show it proper respect. But the flag is more than a ceremony, it’s a reminder that citizenship is an active responsibility, not a passive privilege.

What I enjoy most about these decorations isn't their size or extravagance, but the personality behind them. Some displays are formal and traditional, while others are playful and creative. Some homeowners choose a large flag, while others place a few small ones beside a mailbox or among their flowers. Each reflects a different expression of pride, yet all are part of the same story.

As Scouts, we talk often about service. We learn that a community is strongest when people contribute in ways that are both large and small. These Flag Day displays reminded me that patriotism works much the same way. It isn't always found in grand gestures. Sometimes it is found in the simple choices people make to honor the values they believe in.

The Scout Law tells us that a Scout is Kind. Kindness may seem like a small thing compared to the great events represented by our flag, but nations and communities are built one person at a time. Every act of kindness, every moment of service, every effort to help a neighbor strengthens the bonds that bring people together.

As I continued my walk, I realized that every decorated home represented more than holiday spirit. It represented people who, in their own way, are helping weave the larger tapestry of community, citizenship, and hope.

Sometimes a morning walk is all it takes to be reminded that the flag is not just a symbol of our history. It is a challenge to live up to the ideals it represents through service, respect, and kindness every day.

Happy Flag Day.

06/13/2026

Diversity: Nature's Original Design

As the FIFA World Cup begins, I've found myself thinking about something much bigger than soccer.

One of the things that makes the World Cup special is that it brings together people from different countries, cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences. The very diversity that some people seem eager to dismiss is actually what makes the event possible, and beautiful.

It made me think about one of the greatest lessons Scouting teaches: we are stronger when everyone has a place around the campfire.

Nature certainly understands that.

The air we breathe is a blend of elements working together. The foods we eat come from countless climates, regions, and cultures. Everywhere we look, nature is diversity in motion.

During my walks, I was reminded of that truth again and again.
A rainbow appeared in the mist of a sprinkler as the morning sun shined through the water. A duck dressed proudly in rainbow colors stood watch near a front porch. As I passed homes built from the same blueprint, I noticed that while the structures were similar, each reflected the personalities, traditions, and stories of the families who called them home.

The structure may have been the same, but the expressions were wonderfully different.

And isn't that true of us as well?

In Scouting, young people from different backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, talents, and personalities come together. They wear the same uniform, recite the same Oath and Law, and share many of the same goals. Yet each Scout brings something uniquely their own to the troop.

No two Scouts lead exactly the same way. No two journeys look exactly alike.

One of the points of the Scout Law is Kind, and kindness begins with recognizing the worth and dignity of every person. It means making room for others, listening to different perspectives, and understanding that someone doesn't have to be exactly like us to belong beside us.

Nature doesn't make every flower identical. Every tree grows differently. Every rainbow contains multiple colors.

Diversity isn't a flaw in the design, it's part of the design.

Perhaps that's the lesson both nature and Scouting continue to teach: what makes a troop, a community, and a world stronger isn't our sameness. It's the countless ways we are different, yet still connected by kindness, respect, and a shared humanity.

06/12/2026

What Fills a Heart

This week had me thinking a lot about hearts.

About a year ago, a little tingling in my arm led to an EKG, a referral to a cardiologist, and a year of monitoring. Additional testing revealed a small area of scar tissue on my heart. Nothing that required intervention, but enough to pay attention to and a reminder that our bodies sometimes tell us things before we're ready to listen.

This week, I received the good news that everything remains stable and healthy. For that, I am incredibly grateful.

At almost the same time, I experienced a different kind of heart check.

As Scout leaders, we spend a lot of time celebrating the accomplishments of others. We cheer for rank advancements, leadership milestones, service projects, and personal growth. We encourage young people to recognize their strengths and take pride in what they have achieved.

What we sometimes forget is that those same lessons apply to us.

Standing in front of a room while words of appreciation were read about me was far outside my comfort zone. I am much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it, much more comfortable shining the spotlight on others than having it pointed at me.

But Scouting has taught me that leadership isn't about seeking recognition. It's about showing up, serving others, and striving to live the Scout Oath and Law every day. Sometimes, when others choose to recognize that service, accepting their kindness is part of the lesson.

One of the greatest gifts Scouting has given me is the opportunity to watch young people grow into capable, confident, and caring leaders. In return, they have taught me just as much. They have taught me resilience, courage, humility, and the importance of being kind, not only to others, but also to ourselves.

I'm grateful for the families who have welcomed me into their lives and trusted me with something priceless - their children.

I'm also celebrating the friendships Scouting has brought into my life. From troop families to fellow Scouters, and especially my Wood Badge Beaver buddies, the O-ver-Achiever Beavers, whose encouragement, laughter, support, and occasional shenanigans have filled my heart as much as they've filled my calendar.

Through campfires, conversations, service, and countless Scouting adventures, they have become more than fellow Scouters; they have become dear friends. They remind me that Scouting isn't just about building young leaders; it's also about building lifelong friendships among the adults fortunate enough to walk alongside them.

This week reminded me that a healthy heart is measured by more than test results and EKG readings. It is measured by the kindness we share, the lives we touch, the friendships we build, and the communities that help carry us along the trail.

My heart may carry a little scar tissue, but it also carries the love of family, the trust of Scout families, the friendship of fellow Scouters, and the support of a few O-ver-Achiever Beavers who have made this journey richer than I ever imagined.

And it is very, very full.