Yesterday, we paused to recognize moms – including grandmothers, aunts and mother figures – for all they do. Today, we spotlight the importance parents – and volunteers – play in the Scouting journey. For #Scout and Senior Patrol Leader, Emma B., “Ain’t no mountain high enough” is more than a lyrical verse – it's quite literal, as her mother’s love reaches higher than Mt. Baldy at Philmont Scout Ranch! As a member of a large coed troop that consists mostly of boys, Emma notes that sometimes it can be difficult to find the female leadership coverage for her to go to events. “I had always dreamed of going to Philmont, but nobody volunteered to go with me - until my mom, a very busy scientist at age 56, decided she would make my dream happen.” An award-winning researcher and member of the National Academy of Sciences, Emma’s mom supported her in her role as Crew Leader, training with Emma for months before the trek. Experiencing Mt. Baldy at Philmont ranks as Emma’s favorite memory with her mom in #Scouting – and for good reason! While Emma’s mom “has mental fortitude and discipline like nobody else [Emma has] ever met,” she was older than every other advisor on the trek and was concerned about being able to get up to Baldy. The crew (Philmont Crew 627-I-04) cheered Emma’s mom on and kept her motivated to continue, and she made it up over the rocks and onto the peak! “Being able to stand with my biggest inspiration and role model and look out over the gorgeous Philmont landscape from 12,441 feet in the air was one of the highest points in my Scouting career, if not my life,” Emma says. “Having my mom volunteer in Scouting means so much to me,” Emma explains. “She has an incredibly demanding and inspiring career, and the fact that she would sacrifice so much of her valuable time in that career to help me on my path to Eagle and beyond is really remarkable. It has been amazing watching her inspire other Scouts and serve as a role model and leader, even in activities that she did not originally plan on being involved in.” While we commend Emma’s mom – and celebrate the amazing experience the mother-daughter duo had at Philmont – we simultaneously thank every parent who has registered their kid for any #ScoutingAmerica program…and gone the extra mile, too. You truly make a difference – and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. “To any parent on the fence about volunteering, I can tell you that any small amount of your time that you give can have a profound impact on your Scout,” Emma states. “Seeing our parents support us in our passions means everything, and I have not met a single parent volunteer who did not feel like it was a rewarding experience. My mom did not ever plan on going to Philmont originally, and she talks every day about how she would love to go back! So get out there and have fun with your troop!” Thank you to each and every Scouting parent. You continue to shape the lives of young Scouts everywhere, every day. (fb)

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