Author: Brandi Mantz

More Than Camping: What Scouting Is Really About

Ask someone what they think of when they hear “Scouting,” and you’ll probably hear the same answers.

Camping. Hiking. Pinewood Derby. Campfires. Merit badges.

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Service, Sacrifice, and the Next Generation of Leaders

Honoring Those Who Serve as America Approaches 250 Years As our nation moves closer to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, Americans across the country are reflecting on the values that have defined our nation since its founding: duty, service, leadership, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. Those values […]

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Why Eagle Scout Still Matters in 2026

In a world full of distractions, shortcuts, and uncertainty, the rank of Eagle Scout still stands for something powerful: leadership, resilience, service, and character.

For more than a century, Eagle Scouts have stepped forward to lead in their communities, workplaces, schools, and across our nation. From astronauts and military leaders to entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, and community volunteers, Eagle Scouts continue to make a lasting impact long after their final Court of Honor.

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Summer Kicks Off at Circle Ten Council

Summer has arrived, and across Circle Ten Council, Scouts are packing duffel bags, preparing uniforms, and counting down the days until their next adventure. From waterfront activities and campfires to leadership challenges and lifelong friendships, summer camp season is officially underway.

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Leading the Way: Michael Garcia

From shaping his approach to fatherhood to witnessing his stepson grow into a young man of character, Michael Garcia’s story is a testament to the generational impact of the Scouting movement. It’s not just a job, it’s a deeply personal journey.

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Leading the Way: David Carson

For Ranger David Carson, Scouting isn’t just a program—it’s a family tradition and a lifelong calling. From his earliest days in Cub Scouts to his current role overseeing four council camps,
Scouting has been woven into every stage of his life. His story is one of legacy, service, and the deep pride that comes from giving back to the community that shaped him.

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Leading the Way: Robert Bonnet

For Duck Creek District Executive, Robert Bonnet, Scouting is more than a job — it’s a
daily opportunity to shape the future, build stronger communities, and grow alongside
the families they serve.

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Leading the Way: Alan Goodgame

For Alan Goodgame, Scouting isn’t just a memory – it’s become a foundation for every part of his life. He started working for Circle Ten as an Eagle Scout in high school, but his passion for the program has only grown stronger over the years.

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Leading the Way: Oscar Morado

When Oscar Morado set out to find a mission-driven workplace, Scouting stood out — not just for its values, but for the real-life impact those values create. From developing responsible leaders to saving lives in an emergency, this story shows how Scouting prepares young people for far more than campouts and merit badges.

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Leading the Way: Khrystian Jones

The Scouting experience is more than just a program — it’s a powerful framework for
shaping character, developing leaders, and creating meaningful change in the lives of
youth. Elm Fork’s Senior District Executive, Khrystian Jones dives into what makes
Scouting important for his life.

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Leading the Way: Brandi Mantz

Brandi Mantz started her career in scouting as something that, at the time, seemed like
just a post-college job. But decades later, what started as a professional opportunity
became something much more: a lifelong commitment to a mission that shapes young
lives. Here’s how Circle Ten’s Director of Marketing and Communications found a
lifelong calling in helping kids find their place, their people, and their purpose through
Scouting.

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Beyond the Campfire: With Gabriel Kuhlman

Welcome to Beyond the Campfire — where we share stories of Scouts and leaders who took the lessons of Scouting and built something bigger. From wild hikes to boardrooms, from community service to global missions, we’re talking to the changemakers who live out the Scout Law… even long after the embers fade. Join us in a conversation with Gabriel Kuhlman, Circle Ten Council Eagle Scout, Honor Society Leader.

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Leading the Way: Fernando Garcia

Fernando Garcia has worked for non-profits for over a decade, but working for Circle Ten stands apart. Read more about what keeps him inspired every day and what makes his role as Soaring Eagle’s District Executive different from his past experiences. This Is My Why: Where Mission Meets Impact   Why do you work for […]

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Leading the Way: Tammy Washington

Tammy Washington’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact of Scouting, not just on youth, but on the people who support the mission behind the scenes. She has dedicated her time, talent, and heart to Circle Ten Council.

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Leading the Way: Frank Griffin

“The only time you seem truly alive is when you’re doing Scouting.”
For Senior District Executive Frank Griffin, Scouting was more than a volunteer role — it
was the spark that reignited his purpose. After a career in construction and child
protection services, Frank found a home in Scouting and hasn’t looked back since. Read
how his journey from troop leader to professional Scouter is changing lives across
Circle Ten.

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Leading the Way: Skyler McLain

Not every role in Scouting puts you directly in front of youth— but every role helps shape their journey. Skyler’s “why” is simple: belief in the mission, pride in the impact, and a deep respect for what Scouting makes possible.

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Leading the Way: Greg Mazen

For many of us, Scouting isn’t just a phase of childhood — it becomes part of who we are. In this personal reflection, Circle Ten’s Senior Engagement Director, Greg Mazen, shares how the movement helped shape his character, confidence, and purpose, and why its impact still resonates decades later.

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Leading the Way: Ken Camp

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.

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Leading the Way: Jamel Holmes

 This Is My Why: One Scout At A Time – 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 […]

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Eagle Scout Receives Distinguished Conservation Service Award 

Eagle Scout Nikhil S. of Troop 365 was honored with the Distinguished Conservation Service Award (DCSA) — the highest conservation recognition in Scouting America. To earn the award, he completed two major projects: restoring endangered prairie grasslands at the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center and creating a certified Monarch Waystation to support butterfly migration. His work […]

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Leading the Way …

Whether it’s the joy of sharing the program with new families or the drive to build stronger communities through youth development, our “why” often comes down to one thing: making a difference. Our staff reminds us that when you love what you do and believe in the mission behind it, the work becomes more than work — it […]

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Scouting Lasts! Scouting Builds Positive Character Through Lifelong Learning

Success in life often comes down to making the best of any situation. Scouting hands youth situations and shows them how to make the best of them. It shows them how to build their own shelter in a hailstorm so they will know how to weather any storm life throws at them. Scouts learn how to navigate the woods without getting lost so that they can navigate life without losing the principles and values instilled in them. Scouting helps youth realize what they’re truly capable of doing in a fun and responsible way.

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Everyone Deserves Scouting

The Boy Scouts of America has helped lay the foundation for the future for more than 160 million alumni and members, both male and female. Generations of young people have been shaped by our time-tested program that teaches values, builds character, and exposes our most impressionable beings to skills they wouldn’t otherwise acquire.

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The Outdoor Classroom

In Scouting, preparedness is more than just a motto. “Prepared. For Life.” provides a succinct way to illustrate what Scouting is all about and to explain our role in helping young people on their journey to adulthood.

When we talk about “Prepared. For Life. ™” in Scouting, it is literally what we teach. We prepare them for adventure by promoting youth to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle, and to enjoy the great outdoors in a responsible way. We prepare them for leadership by giving young people the skills to take ownership of new tasks and lead by example.

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Scouting Works! Scouting Builds Positive Character Through Mentoring

“A sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have but how many leaders you create.” Mahatma Gandhi

Since the inception of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910, one of their main objectives has been to provide strong role models for youth during their formative years. What our youth need are caring adults who are strong role models. We know that mentoring is an important component of Scouting and recent scientific research proves that Scouting builds character. Dr. Richard M. Lerner, a psychologist and youth expert at Tufts University and his team measured the character attributes of nearly 1,800 Cub Scouts and nearly 400 non-Scouts.

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Preparing Youth for the Future

Scouting is a vehicle that carries youth on a developmental journey that unlocks their full potential and leaves an indelible impression that lasts a lifetime. Scouts are taught self-confidence that allows them to react heroically in tragedy, the importance of serving others and meeting needs when they arise, and what it means to give back.

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Scouting Matters! Scouting Builds Positive Character Through Helping Others

Community service is perhaps one of the best benchmarks we can use to judge how our cities and towns are truly performing. When care for those who need it the most is lacking in our country, it speaks volumes about the direction of our society. It is what we do that determines who we are, and who we are is defined by the character we instill in our children and future generations to follow.

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Local Community Businesses Rise to the Call of Council Scout Program in Crisis

Camp Wisdom suffered a tremendous loss this year after thieves accessed the fenced property operated by Circle Ten Council and devastated the council’s Cycling Merit Badge and Mountain Biking Adventure Programs by stealing or damaging most all of the program’s equipment. Camp Wisdom also saw the kindness of generosity of the community as nearly all stolen and damaged equipment was replaced in a matter of weeks.

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A Summer of Excitement

The end of the school year is my favorite time of year. It signals the beginning of our summer programs. And this year, in particular, I am so excited to see those camps filled with activity. We missed our Scouts last year. I missed our Scouts. The Scouting program is dependent on our volunteers … but those Scouts are the reason we all do what we do. Our mantra through 2020 was keep calm and Scout on. Now, is the time to escape the great indoors. Let’s Scout on, at camp!

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Escape the Great Indoors

Research is now proving what the BSA has known for decades – that outdoor activities like camping and hiking have a profound positive impact on body, mind and spirit. As we emerge from COVID-19 restrictions, getting our youth outdoors is more important now than ever before.

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A Triple Salute: Eagle Scouts

It’s always inspiring when a young man perseveres and attains the rank of Eagle Scout. But when three young men reach this goal on the same date, and these three young men are bothers who just happen to be triplets, we’re bursting with pride! Hats off to Adam, Brian and Colton of Irving Troop 508, triplet brothers who each attained their Eagle Scout rank on April 17th this year.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Started by the Mental Health America organization in 1949, this is a month when people across the mental health community collaborate on helping spread awareness around mental illness to let people know that they are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are 1 in 5 adults in America living with […]

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2020 Eagle Scout Project of the Year

Cai Clements is the recipient of the 2020 Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award for the Circle Ten Council’s 24-county service area.

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Celebrating a Troop’s Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts

Troop 890G, chartered to Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, celebrated its inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts on April 21, 2021. Eight young women were presented with their Eagle Scout pin and neckerchiefs at the ceremony.

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The Northaven Trail Gets Blooming

Earth Day 2021 was celebrated along the Northaven Trail this year with a community wildflower seed ball building activity led by Eagle Scout Spencer Burke.

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Scouts Leave No Trace

From a Cub Scout’s first hike in a local park to the thrill of our High Adventure bases, from our backyard to the backcountry, our outdoor ethics guide us to be responsible outdoor citizens — protecting our natural world for generations to come and being considerate of other visitors. Scouting has a long, proud tradition of conservation service to the nation

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Become an Upstander: Creating a Bullying-Free Culture in Youth Activities

Adults may feel uncertain about how to handle bullying when we see or hear it happening. Learn how to become an upstander: creating a bullying-free culture in youth activities.

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The Four Points of SAFE Scouting

The safety of the Scouts in our programs is of utmost importance to me. Scouts and their parents expect all Boy Scouts of America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, the BSA created the four points of SAFE Scouting for unit leaders to use when delivering the Scouting program.

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Nearly 1,000 Young Women Soar into History as the First Female Eagle Scouts

Nearly 1,000 young women from across the country are taking their place in history as the first female Eagle Scouts after collectively earning more than 30,000 merit badges and providing an estimated 130,000 hours of community service – even amid a pandemic.

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Kids Call the Shots at the Boy Scouts of America’s Virtual Family Fun Fest on August 8th

The Boy Scouts of America is inviting kids to build their own adventure during the interactive Family Fun Fest

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Songs, Skits and So Much S’more! The Boy Scouts of America Invites Families to Join National Camp-In

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) invites families with children of all ages to join in on a day of adventure during a National Camp-In on May 2. From camp-style cooking to campfire singalongs, this virtual event will bring the best parts of Scouting to life through a variety of activities for all to enjoy from their living room or backyard – even for families whose children are not currently in Scouting.

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Bullying is Gen Z’s #1 Concern According to New BSA Survey

Boy Scouts of America programs empower Gen Z to make a difference Generation Z believes bullying is the biggest issue facing their generation, according to new data. A survey of American youth ages 6 to 17, commissioned by the Boy Scouts of America, found that bullying ranked as the top concern for young people on […]

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Our Ongoing Commitment to Keeping Scouts Safe

The safety and protection of children is the most important priority of the Boy Scouts of America. We sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed during their time in our programs. We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to abuse innocent children. We believe victims, we support […]

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BSA Parents Launch New Website and Tell Their Stories

We all know how truly amazing Scouting parents are. They go above and beyond, and they constantly ask what they can do and how they can help. In many ways, they are our best asset to help demonstrate the value of the Boy Scouts of America and to talk about what this great organization means […]

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A Culture of Youth Protection

Barriers That Make Sense Inside and Outside of Scouting Over the years, the BSA has been a leader in the development of policies to prevent predators from having access to children in Scouting. They are called the BSA’s Barriers to Abuse and they are designed for the safety of youth members— and adult program leaders. They are called […]

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In Scouting, Safety Comes First

Scouting Wire article It may be surprising for some, but the very first section in every Cub Scout and Scouts BSA handbook isn’t dedicated to camping or hiking, but to youth protection. “The safety of children is always our first priority,” said Michael Johnson, Youth Protection Director for the Boy Scouts of America. “It’s required […]

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How is the Boy Scouts of America Organized?

What’s the Circle Ten Council? Are you curious how the Boy Scouts of America operations? What’s the difference between a unit, a district, a council and the National organization? So, let’s start at the beginning. Your child joins a unit. It may be a Cub Scout pack, Scouts BSA troop, Explorer post, Venturing crew or STEM lab. […]

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