Investing in character: Scouting’s legacy in Quincy

Published 9:47 am Friday, August 7, 2026

As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence, it is a fitting time to reflect on the values that have sustained our country for nearly two and a half centuries: citizenship, service, leadership, and personal responsibility. These are the same values Scouting has been teaching young people for generations.

For more than a century, Scouting has helped shape the character of youth throughout Quincy and the surrounding area. While the world has changed dramatically, the need for young people to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a commitment to serving others remains as important as ever.

Scouting provides experiences that cannot be found through a screen. Whether leading a service project, planning a campout, hiking a trail, or earning a merit badge, Scouts learn teamwork, problem-solving, and self-reliance through hands-on experiences.

Quincy is rich in Scouting history. Generations of local youth have built lifelong friendships and valuable life skills through Scouting and at our local camps — Camp Saukenauk and Camp Eastman, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this summer. These outdoor classrooms have helped develop educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, business owners, and community leaders whose impact continues to strengthen our region today.

For me, Scouting has been a family tradition spanning three generations. My father is an Eagle Scout, I am an Eagle Scout, and today my two sons are continuing that journey in Pack 5 at Saint Peters School. The lessons I learned through Scouting — leadership, resilience, teamwork, and service — helped prepare me for a career as a Nurse Corps officer in the United States Army and continue to guide me today.

As we look toward America’s next 250 years, one of the best investments we can make is in programs that help young people become engaged citizens and future leaders. Supporting Scouting can be as simple as enrolling your child, volunteering at an event, serving as a leader, or sharing the Scouting story with a young person who could benefit from the program.

For those who wish to make an even longer-lasting impact, supporting the Mississippi Valley Council Endowment Fund helps ensure future generations have access to quality programs, leadership opportunities, and camping experiences. By investing in Scouting today, we help ensure that the values that have strengthened our nation for 250 years continue to guide future generations of Americans.