Leading the Way: Jamel Holmes

The story of Scouting is best told by the people who live it every day. For Jamel Holmes, his “why” comes from a place of gratitude, transformation, and an unshakable desire to give back.

“My ‘why’ is simple: to give at least one Scout the same — if not better — experience than I had as a youth participant at summer camp.”

That guiding mission has followed Holmes through years of service within Circle Ten Council, where he has taken on nearly every role in summer camp operations — from general staffer to Area Director, and eventually to Program and Camp Director. Holmes now serves as the Camping Director for Circle Ten Council, but his time as a youth in the program continues to be his motivation to put his best effort at work every day. And while his responsibilities have changed over time, one belief remains at the heart of it all:

“Programs and outdoor experiences are the heart of Scouting. They are where growth happens, friendships are formed, and lifelong memories are made.

As I’ve grown in camp leadership, I continue to learn something new every single year. I credit this to the incredible teams I’ve worked with — passionate individuals who share a deep commitment to excellence and service. These lessons, both big and small, help me better fulfill my mission and reinforce the reason I return each season: to make an impact.

I work for Circle Ten Council because it’s where I grew up. It’s home. The people here are more than colleagues, they’re like a second family. I’m deeply grateful for their leadership, guidance, and the countless shared experiences that have shaped me.

Now, I want to give back to the organization that gave me so much. I can say without exaggeration that Scouting shaped the person I am today. It gave me a path I never would have found otherwise. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be — but I do know I wouldn’t be living a life I’m proud of.

I’ve lived the transformation this program brings, and that’s why I believe in it. I didn’t fully understand what Scouting was when I first joined. I was just a kid, unsure of what to expect. But what I found changed my life: I made the best memories, met my best friends, and had experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything. Scouting gave me confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging.

Scouting is more than just activities and merit badges. It builds character. It sparks curiosity. It uncovers hidden talents that can truly change a young person’s future — and maybe even the world. The impact of Scouting is profound, immeasurable, and lasting. Scouting works. And I believe everyone deserves to be part of something this extraordinary. It’s a first-class experience that has taught me so much and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, nothing at all!

No matter how many years I have under my belt in summer camp operations or as a professional, I’ll always make sure my ‘why’ stays at the center of what I do: ensuring a quality program for every Scout who steps foot at one of our camps.”

Today, Jamel is proud to wear the title of professional Scouter — not just as a job, but as a calling. He believes that every young person deserves the chance to discover their full potential through Scouting — to uncover talents, build character, and gain a sense of purpose that lasts a lifetime.