In Hillsborough County, two Scouts from Troop 46 took on Eagle Scout projects that solved real problems in their community.
One focused on helping students access music. The other focused on reducing waste on local beaches. Both projects started the same way. They noticed something that could be better and decided to do something about it.
Cameron is 13 years old, an 8th grader, and a saxophone player in both jazz band and concert band. Through his experience with music, he realized there are students who want to play but cannot afford instruments. For his Eagle Scout project, Cameron organized a community instrument drive and partnered with Recycled Tunes, an organization that restores instruments and places them with schools and communities that need them. His original goal was 100 instruments. He surpassed it.
Cameron collected about 125 instruments, and as the project gained momentum, a donor contributed more than 200 additional instruments. That brought the total to over 300 instruments that will now be restored and put back into the hands of students who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to play. Projects like this show how community service for teens can create lasting impact.
Joshua focused on a different challenge. He noticed that beach toys were often left behind, eventually ending up in the ocean or being thrown away. For his Eagle Scout project, he worked with the Treasure Island community to create Leave a Toy, Take a Toy. This simple system allows families to share beach toys instead of leaving them behind or contributing to waste. The result is less plastic waste, cleaner beaches, and a better experience for families.
Joshua has been involved in Scouting since 2nd grade and is currently an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He has also served as Den Chief, Patrol Leader, Bugler, and Instructor. He has completed leadership training programs including ILST and National Youth Leadership Training and was recently elected into the Order of the Arrow. He is also an Honor Roll student at Alonso High School. In December 2025, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Through these experiences, he has developed leadership skills, communication abilities, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Cameron has also been involved in Scouting since 2nd grade and currently serves as an Assistant Patrol Leader and Troop Historian. He has completed ILST and National Youth Leadership Training and was recently elected into the Order of the Arrow. He is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society.
Both Scouts have grown through leadership opportunities, service, and real responsibility. These projects highlight what youth leadership development can look like in practice. Real ownership. Real solutions. Real impact. They show how programs that focus on leadership and service can help young people build confidence, develop communication skills, and make a difference in their community.
“Scouting has helped both of my sons become well rounded, upstanding young men. It taught them responsibility, leadership, and respect for others. It built their confidence and showed them the importance of helping their community. I’m so proud of both of them,” their mom said.
For families looking for programs that go beyond keeping kids busy, this is one example of what is possible.