The Scout Who Found His Path and Now Wants Other Kids to Find Theirs

When David Montgomery’s mother first put him in Cub Scouts, he was embarrassed. He did not think scouting was something for someone like him.

Years later, the experience would become an important part of his life. Now 29, Montgomery is using his story to encourage more children to discover what scouting can offer them.

From Reluctant Scout to Eagle Scout

Montgomery joined a Black scouting troop in Cincinnati when he was young. What initially felt unfamiliar soon became something he enjoyed.

He remained involved throughout school and in 2014 reached the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting America.

Montgomery credits scouting with teaching him values and giving him a positive environment while he was growing up.

Scouting Became More Than an Activity

Montgomery was also becoming a talented football player. By high school, he was the starting varsity quarterback, creating a demanding schedule between sports and scouting.

Instead of choosing one, he found ways to combine the two.

For his Eagle Scout service project, he supported Mary Magdalen House, an organisation in Cincinnati that provides showers, laundry services and hygiene items to people experiencing homelessness.

He organised donation drives at his football games, encouraging spectators to bring essential items.

Scouting Helped Him Through Difficult Times

Montgomery has also spoken about how scouting leaders supported him during difficult periods in high school.

He was moving between homes and dealing with the deaths of people close to him. Leaders at a scouting camp noticed that something was wrong and took time to talk with him.

They reminded him that he did not have to deal with everything alone and that scouting could provide a healthy outlet.

Now He Wants Other Children to See What Is Possible

Montgomery is now Scouting America’s first recruitment ambassador and regularly attends events with young scouts.

He hopes children who may not initially see themselves as scouts will realise that the organisation is open to them.

He particularly wants more Black children to see scouting as something they can belong to and benefit from.

Passing the Experience to His Own Son

Montgomery is also looking forward to introducing scouting to his three-year-old son, David Jr.

He says the values he learned through scouting are part of the person he has become and something he hopes to pass on to his child.

His story is now being used to show young people that an experience they may initially feel does not belong to them can sometimes become an important part of who they are.

Source: The Associated Press, October 6, 2026.