Alamo Area Council

 
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Jennifer Arntson

Honoring Franklin S. Spears: An Eagle Scout Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Law

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In 1912, Scouting took root in South Texas with a promise that has endured for more than a century: to prepare young people for lives of character, service, and leadership. As part of the 1912 Initiative, we are proud to highlight Eagle Scouts whose lives reflect the lasting impact of that promise. This month, we honor Franklin S. Spears—a man whose Scouting journey helped shape a lifetime of public service and whose legacy continues to influence the Alamo Area Council today.

From Scout to Eagle: Foundations of a Life in Service

Franklin Scott Spears (1931–1996) earned the rank of Eagle Scout in May 1945 through the Alamo Area Council. Achieving Scouting’s highest rank at a young age marked more than a personal milestone, it set the foundation for a life defined by integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Growing up in San Antonio, Spears was shaped during a pivotal era in American history. Scouting provided structure, values, and a sense of responsibility at a time when the world was changing rapidly. The lessons of the Scout Oath and Law (duty to country, service to others, trustworthiness, and moral courage) were not left behind when he aged out of the program. Instead, they became guiding principles throughout his life.

A Career Guided by Integrity and Civic Duty

Franklin Spears carried the values of Scouting into an extraordinary career in public service and law. He served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1959 to 1961, followed by service in the Texas State Senate from 1961 to 1967. In each role, he demonstrated a commitment to thoughtful leadership and the public good.
His dedication to fairness and the rule of law ultimately led him to the Texas Supreme Court, where he served as a Justice from 1979 to 1990. During his tenure, Justice Spears authored numerous opinions that helped shape Texas jurisprudence. Colleagues and scholars alike recognized him for his intellect, humility, and unwavering ethical standards—qualities that echo the values instilled through Scouting.

A veteran as well as a jurist, Spears devoted his life to service and civic responsibility. His leadership—in uniform, in public office, and on the bench—reflected the highest ideals of Scouting and was recognized in 1991 with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

The impact of Franklin S. Spears did not end with his own achievements. His son, Carleton B. Spears, was also a Scout, continuing a powerful family tradition rooted in Scouting values. Today, Carleton serves as the President-Elect of the Alamo Area Council, an extraordinary full-circle moment that highlights how Scouting shapes not only individuals, but families and communities across generations.

This father-and-son legacy is a living example of Scouting’s long-term impact. It reminds us that the lessons learned around campfires, in patrol meetings, and through service projects often reappear decades later in boardrooms, courtrooms, and community leadership roles.

A Century of Impact, Measured and Unmeasured

While Eagle Scouts like Franklin Spears offer visible examples of Scouting’s influence, the true impact of Scouting extends far beyond titles and accolades. It lives in the Scout who learns confidence after their first campout. In the youth who discover a sense of purpose through service. In the young person who chooses integrity because someone once taught them to “do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

For more than 113 years, the Alamo Area Council has served youth across our 13-county area, ensuring Scouting remains accessible to families from all backgrounds. That access, however, is not guaranteed. It depends on a community of supporters who believe in Scouting’s mission and its power to shape future leaders.

Keeping the Legacy Alive Through the 1912 Initiative

The 1912 Initiative honors our founding year while investing in the future of Scouting. A monthly gift of $19.12 helps sustain programs that build character, teach leadership, and provide safe, meaningful experiences for thousands of local youth. These contributions help maintain camps, support volunteers, and remove financial barriers for families who might not otherwise be able to participate.

When we reflect on leaders like Franklin S. Spears, we are reminded that today’s Scouts are tomorrow’s judges, legislators, veterans, educators, and community leaders. Supporting Scouting is not just an investment in a program…it is an investment in people.

Franklin S. Spears could not have known, as a young Eagle Scout in 1945, how profoundly his life would reflect the values he learned through Scouting—or how his legacy would continue through future generations of Scouts and leaders. Yet his story stands as a powerful testament to what Scouting makes possible.

As we honor his legacy through the 1912 Initiative, we invite you to help ensure that every young person in our community has the same opportunity to discover their potential. Because when we invest in Scouting, we are shaping futures, strengthening communities, and building leaders, one Scout at a time.

Text 1912 to 41444 or click here to join the 1912 Society and be part of Scouting’s next century of impact.

Why I Took Wood Badge — and Why I Keep Coming Back

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by Michael Quinones

I didn’t take Wood Badge because I had a plan.

I took it because my daughter’s Scoutmaster, Penny Ludy, believed I would be a good fit and encouraged me to go. I trusted her judgment, and I’m grateful she saw something in me that I hadn’t fully recognized yet.

When I completed the course, I had no intention of staffing. My first opportunity came unexpectedly when I was asked to serve as Assistant Quartermaster for a course that ultimately did not take place due to low enrollment. The following year, I was again asked to staff in that role, which gave me a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to run a Wood Badge course and allowed me to earn my third bead.

In Course 24-1, I served as a Troop Guide for the Fox Patrol. That experience was a turning point. Working directly with participants—walking alongside them as they reflected on their leadership and growth—deepened my appreciation for what Wood Badge can be at its best.

Since then, I’ve continued to serve where asked, including in logistics and auxiliary roles for additional Wood Badge courses. I do this work because I enjoy it, but also because I want to keep learning. Each role has shown me a different side of Wood Badge, from planning and coordination to mentoring and coaching.

After serving as a Troop Guide, I began to seriously consider the possibility of becoming a Course Director someday—not as a goal to chase, but as a way to give back at a deeper level if and when the time is right.

What keeps me coming back isn’t loyalty to a title or tradition. It’s the people—especially the opportunity to work alongside volunteers from multiple councils, each bringing different perspectives and experiences. That diversity keeps Wood Badge from becoming insular and continually challenges me to grow.

Wood Badge hasn’t changed who I am. It’s helped me be more intentional about how I lead, how I listen, and how I serve. For me, it’s been one meaningful part of a larger journey shaped by mentorship, invitation, and the freedom to say yes—or no—at every step.

That’s why I took Wood Badge.

And that’s why I continue to come back.

Do you have an experience to share with the Alamo Area Council? Email marketing@AlamoAreaScouting.org

Honoring Lewis Kayton: The Alamo Area’s First Eagle Scout and the Enduring Legacy of Scouting

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In 1912, the Scouting movement officially took root in South Texas with the founding of what is now Scouting America’s Alamo Area Council. Among the young people who shaped its earliest days was a boy from San Antonio named Lewis Kayton—a name that would become forever linked with the legacy of local Scouting.

Born in 1901, Lewis Kayton was part of the first generation to experience Scouting in America. At a time when the program itself was still finding its identity, Lewis embraced the challenges and ideals of Scouting with unmistakable passion. That commitment led him to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, making him the first known Eagle recognized within the Alamo Area Council.

For Lewis, Scouting was more than merit badges and meetings; it was the foundation of a life dedicated to leadership, service, and community involvement. He later went on to serve as King Antonio XXVIII, a prestigious civic role celebrating San Antonio’s heritage during Fiesta. Professionally, he contributed to the region’s growth through the founding of Milam Management Company, all while maintaining a strong connection to family, faith, and community. His life embodied the very principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and is a legacy we still strive to honor today.

A Century of Impact—From One Scout to Thousands

Kayton’s achievement in the early 1900s marked the beginning of something remarkable: generations of young people learning to trust themselves, serve others, and lead with integrity. And yet, the story of Scouting in the Alamo Area Council is not just about the Eagle Scouts; though they are important. It’s also about the Scout who stays for only a year, learning to overcome fears, build friendships, and try new things. It’s about the Scout who never earns Eagle but discovers a lifelong passion for the outdoors, along with an introduction to the possibilities that exist for them in the world…things like engineering, leadership, and public service.

Every Scout—whether they stay one season or journey all the way to Eagle—learns the values embedded in the Scout Oath and Law:
On my honor, I will do my best…
To be trustworthy, loyal, helpful…
To be brave, courteous, kind…

These words take root in ways we can’t always measure. How do we quantify a young person gaining confidence? Or a child discovering the joy of helping others? Or a teenager choosing integrity in a difficult moment because their Scoutmaster once talked about “doing the right thing, even when no one is watching”?
The reality is simple: the impact of Scouting is profound, widespread, and immeasurable—yet unmistakably real.

Keeping Scouting Accessible for Every Family

For more than 113 years, the Alamo Area Council has provided a place for youth from diverse backgrounds to learn, grow, and become leaders in their communities. But ensuring access to Scouting is not automatic. It’s an ongoing commitment that requires support from people who believe in its mission.
Many families in our 13-county area simply would not be able to participate without assistance. Scouting’s model relies on local volunteers to keep programs running. They are the source of the camps maintained, and opportunities made open to Scouting youth. You see, when our community invests in Scouting, we invest in:

  • Character development
  • Leadership training
  • Outdoor adventure and resilience-building experiences
  • Safe, structured environments where youth can thrive
  • A century-long tradition of service to others

A small monthly gift—such as $19.12 in honor of our founding year—adds up quickly when many hands work together. It keeps the doors open for families who need help, preserves outdoor spaces where Scouts learn and explore, and ensures that the next Lewis Kayton can discover the leader inside themselves.

A Legacy Worth Continuing

Lewis Kayton could never have known that his Eagle Scout achievement would be the first spark in a story spanning thousands of Scouts across more than a century. But that is the beauty of Scouting: one person’s experience can influence generations.

Today, we honor his legacy not only by remembering his story—but by ensuring that every child in our community has the chance to create their own.
Because when we invest in Scouting, we are not just supporting a program.

We are shaping futures. We are building leaders. We are strengthening our community—one Scout at a time.
And together, a little truly does go a long way.

Text 1912 to 41444 or click here

Where Memories Become Music: The Story Behind Back to the Creek

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There’s a certain kind of magic that lives at Bear Creek Scout Camp— a mix of campfire smoke, starlight, and the shared adventures that shape generations of Scouts. That magic is exactly what inspired longtime Scouter and Eagle Scout Brad Barrows to create Back to the Creek, a brand-new music album releasing November 19, 2025. Rooted in real memories from right here in the Alamo Area Council, Brad’s songs celebrate the moments that make Scouting unforgettable — and now, his project is giving back to the place that helped make those stories possible.

For as long as he can remember, Scouting has been part of Brad Barrows’ life. A San Antonio native and proud graduate of UTSA, Brad joined as a Tiger Cub in first grade and never looked back. His first big adventure came as a first-year Webelos at a cold and windy Bear Creek Freeze-O-Ree — the kind of campout that tests your resolve but leaves you smiling afterward. From there, he spent countless weekends outdoors, learning new skills, making lifelong friends, and discovering the quiet pride that comes from working hard and helping others.

Brad earned his Eagle Scout rank in May of 1996 and went on to serve two summers on youth staff at Bear Creek. He attended the last “Cedar Badge” NYLT held at Bear Creek — camping with his patrol on the ever-quiet Ghost Cave Plains — and later returned as NYLT staff to help other Scouts find their own confidence and leadership. Along the way, he also completed two Philmont treks and joined in on many backpacking, hiking, and canoeing expeditions across Texas and beyond.

As an adult, Brad continued to give back by serving as a Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and Charter Organization Representative for his son’s units. He completed Wood Badge, earned his beads as an Antelope, and later served on staff. One of his proudest moments came when his own son earned the rank of Eagle Scout — a milestone that reminded him just how much Scouting gives back to families.

Though no longer active in a formal leadership role, Brad still enjoys staying connected — often helping with the sound system at the council’s Wade Campout. His recent music project, Back to the Creek, was inspired by those same campfire nights and friendships that shaped him. Proceeds from the album benefit Bear Creek Scout Camp, helping ensure that the next generation of Scouts can experience the same spirit of adventure under the Texas stars.

As Brad’s journey shows, the impact of Scouting stretches far beyond a single campout or skill learned — it becomes part of who we are. Back to the Creek is more than an album; it’s a tribute to the experiences that built a leader, a father, and a lifelong friend of Bear Creek. And now, every stream and every download directly supports Bear Creek Scout Camp, helping preserve a place where countless youth continue to grow, explore, and discover their own stories.

The album is live, see below for the direct links so you can purchase, download, and share the music: 

Get on Apple Music

Get on Spotify

Get on YouTube

Honoring a True Good Scout: Paul E. McSween Recognized at 43rd Annual Good Scout Award Luncheon

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Scouting America, Alamo Area Council proudly hosted the 43rd Annual Good Scout Award Luncheon on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, celebrating the outstanding service and leadership of Paul E. McSween III, Chairman of Jefferson Bank.

Established in 1982, the Good Scout Award is the Council’s highest community honor, presented each year to individuals who exemplify the values of Scouting in their everyday lives. The award recognizes those who live by the Scout Oath and Law, demonstrating integrity, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

This year’s honoree, Paul E. McSween III, has dedicated his career and personal life to the betterment of his community. Since joining Jefferson Bank in 1987, Paul has held numerous leadership roles, including 14 years as President before being named Chairman in 2023. Under his guidance, Jefferson Bank has expanded across Central and South Texas, with nearly $3 billion in assets and Trust and Wealth Management divisions overseeing more than $4 billion.

Known for his humility, integrity, and mentorship, Paul’s leadership has fostered a culture of empowerment and service — values that resonate deeply with the principles of Scouting.

Beyond his professional success, Paul’s dedication to the community spans decades. He has served more than 21 years on the Executive Board of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio and Texas Hill Country, 23 years on the Board of the Auditory Learning Foundation supporting Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children, and holds leadership roles with the Texas Wildlife Association, Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio, and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.

Paul’s love of the outdoors and commitment to youth development are evident in his 12 years as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 809 and 14 years coaching Little League and YMCA sports.

An Inspiring Celebration

The luncheon featured Master of Ceremonies Deborah Knapp, retired KENS 5 news anchor, and an introduction of the honoree by Mark Mays, Principal of Mays Family Enterprises. Friends, family, and colleagues joined in honoring Paul’s accomplishments with a heartfelt video tribute that captured the impact of his leadership and service.

In his remarks, Scout Executive Ryan Harris reflected on the continued strength and growth of Scouting across the Alamo Area Council’s 13 counties. With over 100 chartered partners, nearly 5,000 traditional Scouts, and 3,000 Scouting in Schools participants, the Council continues to deliver life-changing experiences guided by the Scout Oath and Law. In 2025 alone, Scouts have earned 6,604 merit badges, achieved more than 3,100 rank advancements, contributed over 50,000 hours of community service, and celebrated 214 new Eagle Scouts.

Harris also emphasized the importance of the Council’s three outdoor properties — McGimsey Scout Park, Mays Family Scout Ranch, and Bear Creek Scout Camp — where youth learn leadership, build friendships, and experience adventure in the great outdoors.

Community Support and Impact

This year’s Good Scout Award Luncheon raised $330,000 to support Scouting programs throughout San Antonio and 13 surrounding counties. These funds ensure that youth across South Texas have access to experiences that build character, confidence, and leadership.

The event was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsors: Mays Family Foundation, Jefferson Bank, and 1900 Wealth. Their continued partnership helps the Alamo Area Council expand the reach and impact of Scouting, preparing the next generation of leaders for life.

Watch the Tribute

To celebrate Paul’s remarkable contributions, friends and family created a special tribute video that premiered during the luncheon. Watch the video here and see the event photos here.

Thank You for Supporting Scouting

The Alamo Area Council extends sincere gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and supported this year’s Good Scout Award Luncheon. Your commitment to Scouting ensures that young people across our community continue to learn, lead, and thrive.

Scouts Provide 1,782 Meals To Our Neighbors

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As of October 31, 2025, the Scouts of the Alamo Area Council have collected 2,139 pounds of food for our community—enough to provide an estimated 1,782 meals for families in need. Food banks and hunger relief organizations, such as Feeding America, often use a standard conversion based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines: 1.2 pounds of food equals one meal. This helps us better understand the real impact our Scouts are making with every can, box, and bag of food they collect.

Making a Local Impact

The food collected by our Scouts supported several area food banks and pantries, including:

  • San Antonio Food Bank

  • New Braunfels Food Bank

  • Provisions Outreach Food Pantry

  • KRBS Ministries Food Pantry

Each of these organizations works tirelessly to ensure families across our region have access to nutritious meals and essential groceries. Through Scouting for Food, our Scouts are helping them continue that mission—one collection at a time.

Food insecurity in our area is at an all-time high, especially with the recent government shutdown and the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits. Every donation—no matter the size—helps fill a critical gap for families who are struggling to make ends meet. We are incredibly grateful to every Scout, parent, leader, and community member who took the time to participate, collect, and contribute. Your generosity is making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. And to those who weren’t able to join this time—we understand, and we encourage you to participate in the spring campaign if you can. Every effort counts.

Why Reporting Matters

Accurate reporting allows the council to share the impact of Scouting with local foundations, community partners, and grant providers. These organizations often ask for measurable examples of how Scouting supports our community—and food donations are a powerful, tangible way to show that Scouting truly serves others. Please send your photos and collection weights to ScoutingForFood@AlamoAreaScouting.org.

Spring Scouting for Food Collection

📅 Collection Day: Saturday, April 18, 2026
📍 Drop-off Location: Alamo Area Council Service Center Parking Lot

Your unit can also host its own Scouting for Food campaign anytime that works best for your schedule—we simply ask that you let the council office know so we can include your results in our overall total.

What If You’re in an Outlying Area?
No problem! If your Chartered Organization has its own food pantry, feel free to donate your collection there. Just remember to ask them to weigh the donations your Scouts collect and report the total to the council.

Thank you again for your dedication to service, leadership, and kindness. Together, we are proving that even small acts of generosity can lead to a big impact.

Scouting Adventures