This Is My Why: Shaping Tomorrow
The power of Scouting lies not just in the programs we offer, but in the people who deliver them. For Ken Camp, Director of Field Service for Circle Ten Council, Scouting is more than a profession — it’s a lifelong passion grounded in personal experience, family tradition, and a commitment to preparing youth for the future.
Why do you work for Circle Ten Council?
I’ve been blessed to serve in three other Scouting America councils, and Circle Ten is by far one of the premier councils delivering meaningful impact to the youth and communities we serve. We’re fortunate to have some of the very best volunteers and staff — dedicated individuals who ensure a consistent, quality program reaches as many young people as possible. Scouting doesn’t get much better than it does here in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.
Why do you believe in Scouting?
I was a Scout growing up. My brother, an Eagle Scout, now works professionally in Scouting in Greenville, South Carolina. My son is also an Eagle Scout. Now that I’m older, I clearly see the benefits Scouting brought into my life — not just in terms of skills, but through unforgettable experiences. I still carry the memories of summer camp at Camp Flying Eagle in Sarasota, Florida and my backcountry trek at Philmont Scout Ranch when I was 14 years old.
Why is Scouting important for the youth of today?
Scouting fills a critical gap, it’s the piece that helps youth become the best version of themselves and prepares them for future success. School, church, and other activities like sports are all important and help build a solid foundation. But Scouting is the flywheel — it launches them forward by helping them become something better and brighter than they could have imagined. Scouting provides experiences that many youth may never otherwise have. More importantly, it gives them a code to live by that improves their character and gives them ethical direction.
What impact have you seen—or personally experienced—through Scouting?
There are too many individual stories to choose from — so I’ll say this: In a time when our society and communities are struggling, when so many people seem divided, Scouting gives me hope. It allows me to picture a world where values like ‘kindness’ and ‘helping other people at all times’ have changed the future into something much brighter. Almost weekly, I hear a story or witness a moment in Scouting that recharges my batteries and reminds me why I believe in this movement and what it has to offer.
