Boy Scouts has given me a new perspective through lessons that go far beyond badges and outings.

I currently hold the Star rank in Boy Scout Troop 1747 in Valencia, Orange County. When I first joined Boy Scouts, I had no idea how much it would shape me. I thought it was just about camping, tying knots, and earning badges. Over the years, it became so much more. Scouting has taught me leadership, resilience, and the value of giving back. One experience that really stands out was leading the younger scouts in cooking and setting up tents when our patrol leader was absent. That moment made me realize how much I had grown and how Scouting was helping me become the best version of myself.

Before Boy Scouts, I wasn‘t always the most confident person. I tended to hang back and just watch as patrol leaders and scouts helped each other and had fun together. However, when I got the chance to serve as an assistant patrol leader, everything changed. Suddenly, I was the one people looked to for guidance. I had to make decisions, solve problems, and keep things running smoothly. There were times I doubted myself, like when I was the only leader available to help new scouts. Through trial and error, I learned how to apply the leadership skills I had picked up from older scouts and use them to guide the younger ones. Now, I use those same leadership skills in my journalism class and at school-whether I’m working on a news story in a group or helping classmates finish their projects.

Of course, my Scouting journey hasn‘t always been easy. There were moments I wanted to quit, especially when I thought about the long list of merit badges I needed for the next rank. At times, I felt discouraged and wondered if I had the drive to keep going. Instead of giving up, I pushed through. Looking back, I’m glad I did, because that experience taught me to persevere and not back down in tough situations. Now, whenever I face challenges in everyday life, I remind myself of those moments and know I can handle whatever comes my way.

One of the biggest lessons I‘ve learned from Scouting is that small actions can make a big difference. A project that really stuck with me was planning a late-night service event to help distribute food to people experiencing homelessness. Seeing the impact of that work made me realize that giving back isn’t just about checking boxes-it‘s about truly helping others. Because of Scouting, I try to encourage people to see the good in others, even in a society that sometimes looks at things negatively.

Before Scouts, I didn’t spend much time in nature. Now, I can‘t imagine my life without it. One of my favorite memories is camping in the wilderness. Those experiences taught me to treat nature with respect and always leave campsites cleaner than I found them. Whether I’m camping, hiking, or just taking a walk outside, I now feel a sense of peace and connection with the natural world.

Looking back, I can see just how much Boy Scouts has changed me. It‘s made me more confident, more capable, and more aware of the world around me. The experiences I’ve had-both the challenges and the triumphs-have shaped who I am today. As I move forward, I know the lessons I‘ve gained from Scouting will keep guiding me-not just as a student, but as a future leader in my community.

<Caleb Kang 서니힐스 고교 10학년>