Hi! I’m John. I’ve lived in North Albuquerque Acres for 14 years, and what I love most about this neighborhood is how peaceful and open it feels—like living in the country but still close enough to the city hustle. It’s the perfect balance, and it’s become home for me and my family.

My scouting journey started when I was a kid in the mid-1960s. I was a Cub Scout, then a Boy Scout, and I earned my Eagle Scout badge—something I’m really proud of. That passion for scouting didn’t stop with me; both of my sons followed the same path. Scouting isn’t just about badges and camping; it’s about learning to be prepared, doing good turns every day, and stepping up to serve your community.

Some of my best memories come from adventures like hiking and camping at the Philmont High Adventure camp in Cimarron, New Mexico, and volunteering at the H. Roe Bartle summer camp in Missouri during my college summers. These experiences taught me leadership, resilience, and the joy of giving back.

For the past 14 years, I’ve served as a Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor, and for nine years, I’ve been an Assistant Den Leader in Cub Scouts. I’ve also been involved with the Order of the Arrow, an honor society within scouting. It’s a privilege to guide the next generation, teaching skills and values that stick for life.

Scouting in New Mexico offers countless ways to make a difference—cleaning up campgrounds, lakes, and rivers; building and repairing trails in open spaces; constructing bat boxes for the BioPark; helping the Humane Society with repairs; collecting food for the Roadrunner Food Bank; and assisting local schools and churches with everything from playground repairs to landscaping. The list goes on, and every project makes a meaningful impact.

One of the most rewarding—and sometimes challenging—aspects is working with scouts who have different abilities, including ADHD, autism, physical disabilities, and sensory challenges. Scouting teaches acceptance and inclusion. We celebrate differences and make sure everyone feels valued. Patience and understanding are key, but bullying simply has no place here.

What keeps me motivated is watching these young people grow into confident, responsible adults who want to give back to their communities. The thousands of volunteer hours they contribute every year truly transform neighborhoods—and give me hope for the future.

This fall, our scouts will be fundraising by selling popcorn at stores throughout Albuquerque. We’re always looking for new scouts, boys and girls alike, and adult volunteers who want to make a difference as leaders or merit badge counselors.

If you’re interested in learning more, Cub Scout Pack 241 meets Thursdays after school at Double Eagle Elementary, and Scout Troop 220 gathers Monday nights at Covenant United Methodist Church. Check out www.bsatroop220nm.org and www.abqpack241.org for details.