While soaking up all the knowledge and experiences that scouting offers, some of the most important takeaways for me were developing lifelong friendships, a passion for public service, and a love of wildlife conservation.

Friendships through scouting are special in that they are developed together in a mutual, moral foundation established in the Boy Scout Motto, Oath, and Law. These rich experiences are strengthened in the outdoors where friends must rely on one another. On weekends, I still go hiking and camping in Arkansas with lifelong scouting friends. Since joining the ranks of Congress, I have found new scouting friends such as Representative Phil Roe of Tennessee, with whom I climbed Mount Katahdin in Maine (pictured below).

Scouting is where I first developed my passion for public service. The Boy Scout slogan, “do a good turn daily,” and the phrase from the Boy Scout oath, “help other people at all times,” creates the foundation for scouts to embrace a lifetime of serving others. From my time working as a Senate staffer, to volunteering for the Boy Scouts as an adult, to now representing the people of central Arkansas, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others. 

As a Boy Scout in the Natural State, it was easy to develop a passion for conservation and a desire to protect Arkansas's natural beauty. That is why I am especially proud of my legislation, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, that was signed into law this year. This bill protects and enhances our terrific outdoor recreation area in the Ouachita National Forest that scouts like me have been enjoying for decades. 

Similarly, the Girl Scouts of the USA, founded in 1912, teaches self-reliance, leadership, and outdoor skills. Together, these organizations prepare our youth for success as citizens, professionals, spouses, and parents. I hope you will join me in celebrating the spirit of scouting and the positive influence it continues to have on millions of lives throughout America.