If you - your family, your unit, your friends - participated (or are going to participate) in Scouts Read Sacred texts today or this month….and you happen to take a photo or two, please send them our way to Social.Media@Scouting.org. We recognize that this request could seem a bit odd. However, we do want to spotlight Scouts and youth who engage in this initiative and event. Thank you! 🙏🏻 📖 (fb)

We first introduced the #Scouting community to Isaiah V. eight years ago, in 2017. (In case you missed it, check out this blog post: https://ow.ly/rrY750VKXJZ.) Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at age 3, Isaiah began his Scouting adventure like so many do, in Cub Scouts. Becoming a #Scout proved truly life-changing for both Isaiah and his family. It became clear that Isaiah had found his place amongst friends – in the outdoors, in his pack. He enjoyed the meetings. He thrived in the “fail-safe” environment. His parents got involved, too. In 2022, Isaiah lived out “A Scout is brave” on a larger stage. Catching waves and creating memories, the Orlando Scout earned a silver medal in the level 2 surfing division of the Special Olympics USA Games. For Isaiah, sports and Scouting proved a winning combination. Recently, Isaiah reached another life – and Scouting – milestone. In April – Autism Awareness Month, no less – Isaiah achieved the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. “Reaching Eagle Scout is the culmination of years of hard work, growth and service,” Isaiah’s father, Rolando, explains. “It’s a tremendous honor that reflects Isaiah’s perseverance, leadership and commitment to living by the Scout Oath and Law. It also represents a milestone that we, as a family, are incredibly proud of – especially knowing the challenges he has overcome along the way.” Only a small portion of Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Today, Isaiah – who is also an Order of the Arrow member – proudly stands as both an Eagle and a Scout for life. For him and his family, everything changed after that first Cub Scout meeting. “I would tell parents of kids with special needs: ‘Don’t quit,’” says Isaiah. “Stay consistent, keep your eye on the goal and believe in your child – even on the hard days. Scouting isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. My family supported me the whole way, and we’re all stronger because of this journey. The challenges were real, but the reward is sweet.” We congratulate Isaiah and thank his family for 1) giving Scouting a chance and 2) always standing by his side. There is a place for every youth at Scouting America. Words cannot express how thankful we are to help young people be Prepared. For Life. #ScoutingAmerica #CubScout #ScoutsBSA #EagleScout (fb)