Scouting Alumni Newsletter – October 2026 Dear fellow Scouting Alum, Fall is in full swing, and new member recruiting season is moving full steam ahead. In recruiting for Scouting, we get lots of questions about what Scouts do, and you know the answers as well as I do: adventure, service, citizenship, physical fitness, fun, and more. But I think the more relevant question is what Scouts become, and that list is endless and encompasses roles across our society. October is National Arts and Humanities Month, so I thought it would be appropriate to highlight some notable alumni in the Arts and Humanities.
Most famous, perhaps, is noted archaeologist Henry “Indiana” Jones, Jr., a Life Scout. I kid, of course, but actor Harrison Ford, who portrayed Indy, actually did achieve this rank. And Steven Spielberg, the director of the first four Indiana Jones films, is an Eagle Scout whose experience with the Photography merit badge inspired him to become a filmmaker. (He later helped launch the Cinematography merit badge at the 1989 National Jamboree.)
Adventure authors Clive Cussler (Eagle Scout) and Tom Clancy were Scouts, inspiring millions with their tales of adventure and intrigue – and a few Scouting references along the way.
Historian, novelist, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize Wallace Stegner, called “The Dean of Western Writers” during his life, was an Eagle Scout, as was Lewis Sorley, a prominent military historian.
Theatrical titan Stephen Sondheim, Beat Generation poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, actor Henry Fonda, award-winning architect E. Fay Jones were all Eagle Scouts, as is Emmy-winning television host (and composer of the catchy NBA on NBC theme) John Tesh.
Even just a few years in our programs at a young age can have an impact. Rocker Jon Bon Jovi, dancer Derek Hough, and actors Jack Black, Chris Pratt, and Bruce Willis talk about their great experience in Scouting, too. Even from this small sample, it’s so clear that Scouts do well in any variety of career fields. And our merit badge program is designed to provide a broad introduction to hobbies and vocations, including music, art, sculpture, architecture, theater, scholarship, and reading.
Regardless of a young person’s interests, there is a place for them in Scouting and Scouting will help prepare them for success. If there’s a young person in your life who you think would benefit from Scouting, please invite them and their parents to visit BeAScout.org and find a unit that works for them. Yours in Scouting,
Andrew Miller |
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 Prepare Now for Scouting’s National Day of Service What impact will you make on November 14th? |  Canoe Trip Turns into Lifesaving Rescue Scouts free trapped victim, assist first responders |
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 “Being a Good Leader Starts with Being a Good Person” Alum connects Scouting values directly to leadership |  Spirit of an Eagle Award Conferred Posthumously Scout’s determination and love for the program live on |
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 From Eagle Scout to Blacksmith Alum keeps a 900-degree craft alive |  Cub Scout Earns Honor Medal Prevented a tragedy at age 7 |
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