"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ"

It was the final night of a week-long summer camp deep in the heart of the Appalachian foothills. The troop—thirty young Scouts from all walks of life—had spent the week hiking trails, tying knots, learning survival skills, and serving in the camp’s daily chapel devotions. But tonight was different. Tonight was the Campfire Ceremony, a tradition reserved for reflection and recognition—and sometimes, transformation.

Among the boys was a 13-year-old Scout named Caleb. He was quiet, hesitant—a recent addition to the troop who’d come from a difficult background. He had no church home, no father in his life, and no real understanding of Christ—just curiosity. The week had softened something in him: the fellowship of the troop, the leadership of his Scoutmaster, and the quiet prayers before meals had begun to stir a longing he couldn’t quite name.

As the fire cracked under a sky full of stars, the Scoutmaster shared a story from Scripture—how Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” He looked each boy in the eye and said, “That’s what Scouting is about. Not just knots, not just badges—but learning to live a life worth following. We follow Christ, and through that, we lead others.”

Afterward, the Scouts were invited to spend some quiet time around the fire, speaking if they felt led. Caleb stood. Hands trembling, voice uncertain, he said, “I don’t know everything about Jesus, but I’ve seen Him this week—in the way we helped each other, in the way our leaders care about us, and in the way we pray. I want to follow that. I want to follow Christ.”

That night, surrounded by his troop brothers, Caleb gave his life to Christ—led not by a sermon, but by the lived-out example of faith through Scouting. He would later say it was the first time he ever felt like he belonged. The Scout Oath and Law gave him structure, but Christ gave him purpose.

Why This Story Defines our Mission

This moment illustrates our mission in action: young men discovering Christ not in a sanctuary, but around a campfire—through the mentorship, values, and servant leadership embodied by Scouting. It brings 1 Corinthians 11:1 to life—not just in word, but in example. Our nonprofit is doing more than organizing activities—it's shaping souls and forming disciples, one Scout at a time.