Lyla didn’t join Scouting because she was excited about camping or earning badges.
“I joined Scouts because I was kind of told I needed it,” she admits. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure about it at first.”
Like many young people, Lyla stepped into Scouting with hesitation. She had fears about the outdoors and uncertainty about what Scouting really was. It wasn’t something she immediately embraced—it was something she cautiously tried.
Her early Scouting experiences began with Troop 3892, where she first learned what it meant to show up, try something new, and keep going even when she wasn’t sure she belonged.
What happened next is why Scouting matters.
“Over time, I decided to keep going, and I realized how much I enjoyed it,” Lyla says. “My initial fears about what Scouting was and being outdoors went away the more I participated.”
Little by little, Scouting became a place where she could grow, build confidence, and discover strengths she didn’t yet know she had.
Finding Her Voice Through Leadership
As Lyla stayed involved, Scouting challenged her in ways that mattered. One of the biggest hurdles she faced wasn’t physical—it was internal.
“A challenge I faced was speaking up and leading others when I wasn’t confident in myself,” she shares. “I overcame it by pushing myself out of my comfort zone and learning from my mistakes.”
Through that process, she learned something essential.
“I realized that leadership doesn’t mean being perfect—it means trying and improving.”
As she grew into those lessons, Lyla transitioned to Troop 89, where leadership wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected. That expectation helped her see herself differently.
Scouting reshaped how she viewed teamwork and leadership as a whole.
“Leadership isn’t about being in charge,” Lyla says. “It’s about helping others succeed.” When people are respected, listened to, and encouraged, everyone grows together.
That understanding came into focus during one of her most memorable Scouting experiences: working on staff at summer camp for the first time.
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me how much responsibility I could handle,” Lyla says. “I learned how to work with many different people, help others learn new skills, and be a role model.”
The experience changed how she saw herself.
“It made me feel proud and more confident in myself.”
Moments like this are where Scouting quietly does its best work—placing trust in young people, surrounding them with support, and giving them the opportunity to rise to the occasion.
Earning Eagle and Making a Difference
By the time Lyla earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 89, leadership felt less intimidating and more natural.
“I felt I made a difference when I organized my Eagle Scout Service Project and saw the impact it had on others,” she says. “Knowing that my time and effort helped others made me proud to be a Scout.”
That sense of service is at the heart of Scouting. It’s not just about what Scouts achieve—it’s about who they help along the way.
From Eagle Scout to Giving Back
Behind Lyla’s journey were people who believed in her, especially one who made a lasting impact.
“The most influential person in my Scouting journey has been my Uncle,” she says. “He introduced me to Scouts, encouraged me to join, and supported me every step of the way.”
Even when she wasn’t sure about Scouting at first, someone believed in her potential—and that belief made all the difference.
Now, as an Eagle Scout who continues her Scouting journey through Venturing Crew 1776, Lyla isn’t stepping away—she’s stepping forward.
“My goals have shifted toward giving back as an adult,” she explains. She plans to volunteer, mentor younger Scouts, and support Scouting America as an adult leader.
Some of Lyla’s favorite Scouting moments are the simplest.
“My favorite Scouting tradition is sitting around the campfire at the end of a long day,” she says. “It’s a time to relax, reflect, and feel connected.”
And the values Scouting taught her didn’t end when the uniform came off.
“I try to live the Scout Oath and Law by being dependable, respectful, and helpful to others in my everyday life,” Lyla says. “Those values guide my decisions.”
Lyla’s story is proof of what Scouting makes possible.
It shows parents that Scouting is a place where kids can safely grow, gain confidence, and find their voice.
It shows donors that their support creates real, lasting change—helping young people become leaders, mentors, and servants to their communities.
And it shows young people who may be unsure about joining that they don’t have to have it all figured out to start.
Sometimes, Scouting is exactly what a young person needs—even before they realize it themselves.