Creating Unforgettable Experiences as Young Scouts

Images of Boy Scouts and kids Scouting are as American as apple pie. But beyond those iconic, timeless images is a longstanding and serious commitment to service and personal development for the young members of our community.

Scouting America, Los Padres Council (LPC) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing children and young people in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties the basic life skills and tools to succeed in life. Carlos Cortez, Scout Executive & CEO of Los Padres Council, understands the importance of giving kids at an early age the resources that will allow them to excel.

“Our programs are very important to young people because they’re teaching them things that they otherwise wouldn’t get through our education system: basic life skills, how to be an effective leader, how to be the best versions of themselves,” says Cortez.

LPC’s programs include the opportunity to be a Scout, exposing children from all different backgrounds to a larger world outside of their home, where they can learn self-confidence, leadership skills, service to others, how to make ethical choices, and explore the outdoors. Guided by life-changing mentors, the lessons and skill sets children learn with LPC have the potential to ripple well into adulthood.

Aaron Espinoza knows firsthand how the core tenets of Scouting can provide success and fulfillment later on in life. He started at an early age as a Cub Scout, and spent most of his life thriving in the program, and now works as the nonprofit’s Associate Development Director.

“I’m just so grateful for what it’s done for me as far as my personal growth and development. Just things that are as simple as how to talk to an adult, or how to treat other people,” Espinoza says.

Another point of pride is LPC’s Outdoor School. Working closely with local school districts, LPC gives fifth and sixth graders an unforgettable outdoor experience at Rancho Alegre, where students disconnect from the day to day and connect with the environment, learning more about themselves, and bonding with their peers in a unique setting free from the constraints of modern technology.

In addition to being immersed in hands-on environmental and STEM activities, students also hike, explore nature, and forge friendships that last a lifetime. 

Scouting America also serves young people after high school, in their Exploring program, a career identification experience where young people work with professionals to develop their interests, helping guide them to a potential career path.

Throughout their time as Scouts, kids learn the importance of civic duty and giving back to their community. Starting as young as the age of five, kids partake in community service, from collecting and delivering meals to people in need to cleaning up beaches. 

Los Padres Council takes the adage “Scout’s Honor” to heart. Their promise and commitment is to provide the most fulfilling, valuable experiences for their Scouts now to lay the groundwork for a successful future.