Paisley M. was in first grade when she first heard about Scouting.
Camping. Archery. Being outside. She wanted to be part of it. At the time, Boy Scouts of America hadn’t opened the program to girls yet. Her father, Patrick, remembers it clearly.
“She kept asking.”
In 2019, the opportunity came.
“I have been in Scouts since they first let girls into Cub Scouts.”
Paisley joined as soon as she could. What started as curiosity didn’t stay small for long. She earned her Arrow of Light. She kept going.
Today, she’s an Eagle Scout.
Paisley’s Journey
Ask Paisley what mattered most, and she doesn’t start with rank or badges. She goes straight to experience.
“My favorite part of Scouts is NYLT and NAYLE… They helped to build my confidence and teach me skills such as communication, teaching, and leadership that I will use for the rest of my life.”
Those were the places where she learned to lead.
“Some of my best scouting memories are from staff developments and courses that I have attended. I hold these memories and all of the friends I have made along the way very dearly to my heart.”
Paisley didn’t wait to be ready. She stepped into leadership early.
“Scouts has given me the opportunity to take on many leadership opportunities that have made me grow exponentially.”
From local events to national programs, she kept raising the bar.
“Whether it was my time as a crew guide at NAYLE, being the youth course lead for NYLT 21, or running classes for council-wide events… all of these opportunities have allowed me to practice and improve my skills.”
And the motivation behind it was simple:
“I wanted to help other people like how they had helped me.”
Two Arenas, Same Outcome
While leading in Scouting, Paisley was also competing in wrestling at Sunlake High School. Her senior year, she dominated:
- 29–0 record
- 190 lb Florida High School Athletic Association State Champion
- 4.8 GPA
The same pattern showed up everywhere:
- preparation
- discipline
- ownership
- execution
From her father’s perspective, the difference Scouting made is clear.
“Paisley became confident presenting to groups—youth or adults. She took on leadership roles across her troop, council events, and national programs.”
One moment stood out. In December 2025, Paisley served as the Youth Course Lead for NYLT 21, running a full course and helping shape future leaders. That wasn’t participation.
She led the course.
What Comes Next
Paisley is heading to Columbia University on a wrestling scholarship to continue both her academic and athletic career. She plans to study environmental science before attending law school, with the goal of helping shape environmental policy. Scouting helped spark that direction.
‘I found a passion for the protection of the environment through scouting.”
She’s still leading, too. Paisley started a Venturing Crew and currently serves as its president. And she’s not done yet.
“One goal I still want to achieve in scouts is to run a successful NAYLE course as the Senior Crew Leader… I know that I can’t close this chapter of my life without one last course of my own.”
What She’d Tell Someone Thinking About Joining
“I would tell them to join asap… because scouting has truly changed my life and made me the person I am today.”