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.
