Volunteer Spotlight: Houston Runion

What is your role in Pack 136? AOL Den Leader

Why do you volunteer with Scouts? I enjoy working with kids. Whether it’s coaching, tutoring, leading scouts, 3D printing gadgets, flying drones, etc. Being high energy myself, I enjoy their levels of energy and enthusiasm for whatever they are doing and thus feel I am well suited to help guide them by my favorite method of teaching: lead by example. For the last three years, I’ve continued to volunteer because I’ve come to know our scouts, scout leaders, and parents, and I enjoy participating in all the scouting events, be it hiking, camping, overnight at the Zoo or Sounds stadium, biking, etc.

Were you a Scout? If so, what rank did you earn? Yes, and I earned Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts.

What first inspired you to volunteer with Scouts? I initially volunteered to give my daughter a familiar face and a feeling of comfort as she embarked on a new adventure with a group of people she didn’t really know. It didn’t take long for her to make friends and become very comfortable in the scouting family. From that point forward, I just enjoyed the experience and the Pack and would not change it for anything.

What’s the most rewarding part of volunteering with Scouts? Seeing the scouts grow and mature from 2nd graders all the way to 5th graders as a Den has been fun to experience. I’m especially proud when I get to see them wearing their Class A uniforms, decorated with all their accomplishments we worked on together. It makes me smile and glad to have been a part of their journey.

What’s your favorite Pack activity or part of the Scouting year? As a lifelong baseball fan, camping at the Nashville Sounds baseball stadium, First Horizon Park, without question.

If you could take your Scouts on any adventure, anywhere in the world, where would you go? Cliff diving at the Grand Canyon!

What’s one item you never go to camp without? Our Golden Retriever, Bri.

Favorite campfire tradition? I love chopping the wood!