Hi, I’m Donnie — a lifelong Scout, Eagle Scout, Cubmaster, and unapologetic outdoors-and-leadership geek who believes Scouting is one of the best gifts we can give our kids.
If you’ve ever watched a Scout discover something new, shine in a moment of courage, or absolutely own a silly skit at camp, you know exactly why this movement matters. That’s the heart of this site.
My Scouting Journey
I grew up in Scouting and eventually earned the rank of Eagle. Long before I knew what I would do for a living, Scouting taught me how to lead, how to serve, and how to navigate a trail when the map didn’t quite match the terrain.
Today, I’m a Cubmaster, helping families and leaders create the kind of experiences that stick with kids for years — the campfire stories, the first-time successes, the “I didn’t know I could do that” moments.
And yes, the occasional bit of joyful chaos.
Why I Started GladScout
In every volunteer job, there’s a moment when you realize you’ve somehow become the person people ask for help:
“How do we plan this?”
“What do we bring?”
“What on Earth does this requirement mean?”
“Where do I even start?”
This site is my way of answering those questions — clearly, simply, and with a little humor — while helping leaders, parents, and Scouts feel confident instead of overwhelmed.
GladScout exists to:
- Share practical resources for leaders
- Help families understand the program with ease
- Offer ideas that make Scouting more fun and less stressful
- Capture the stories and lessons that make this movement special
- Build a place where new leaders feel supported, not alone
If it helps you lead more effectively or helps your Scouts have a better experience, then it belongs here.
What You’ll Find on This Blog
GladScout focuses on the real, day-to-day side of Scouting — the helpful, the heartfelt, and the occasionally hilarious. Expect posts about:
- Planning meetings and events that kids love
- Outdoor skills, hiking ideas, and “learn it by doing it” activities
- Parent communication that brings families together
- Tips for new leaders stepping into their first role
- Creative program ideas, skits, ceremonies, and traditions
- Reflections on leadership, resilience, growth, and service
- The moments in Scouting that surprise you, inspire you, or crack you up
It’s Scouting through the lens of someone who loves it, lives it, and still keeps a stockpile of blue painter’s tape in the car — just in case.
My Approach to Scouting
I believe Scouting works best when:
- Kids lead as much as possible
- Adults step back just enough
- Learning feels like an adventure
- Failure is seen as a teacher, not a problem
- Families feel welcomed and supported
- Leaders feel equipped, not exhausted
And every once in a while, a well-timed dad joke doesn’t hurt.
Why “GladScout”?
My last name is Gladfelter, and somewhere along the way “Glad” stuck as a short version.
Combine that with a lifelong love of Scouting, and you get GladScout — a place where enthusiasm meets experience, and where I share the things that make this program powerful.
Thanks for Being Here
If you’re a parent trying to learn the ropes, a leader looking for ideas, or a fellow Scouter who loves seeing kids light up when they accomplish something new — I’m glad you found this corner of the internet.
Scouting is better when we share what works.
I hope GladScout helps you create moments your Scouts will remember long after they hang up their uniforms.
If you ever want to connect, swap ideas, or trade stories from the trail, I’m always up for it.
See you on the trail — probably carrying snacks, a first-aid kit, and at least one random stick a Scout insisted was important.