By Joseph Ferry

I have been a Boy Scout since the age of eight. Now at the age of 17, I have had many experiences with different leaders, both in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Out of the many leaders and role models I have encountered through Scouting, Tom Hayes has been without a doubt the most influential. He has taught me essential scouting skills and has enabled me to develop as a leader in my troop. He also guided me through my recent Eagle Scout project, where cards were sent to nursing homes admidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayes has led my current troop, 442, for 11 years. He has devoted his life to Scouting, and says that he has “been a Scout since the age of two,” when he followed his brother to his Cub Scout meetings. Now, at the age of 41, he has 39 years of Scouting experience. 

Boy Scouts standing in attention. Photo credit: David Amelotti.

Hayes’ journey as an official Boy Scout began when he joined troop 893, out of Saint Edwards Church in North Chesterfield. He holds many fond memories of this troop because it is the place where he first learned of his love for Scouting. One of his most impactful Scouting memories came from a small trip that he went on with only a few members of his troop. Although his troop had many members, this camping trip only had three Scouts attend. This made the trip special, because Hayes was able to “spend a lot of time with the Scoutmaster, asking him questions and get a lot of attention.” While all camping trips up to this point had been enjoyable for him, this trip allowed him to learn more about his leader, Joe Feher, and what Scouting means, rather than just having fun. Looking back on the trip, Hayes said, “at the time it didn’t mean much to me, but as I look back now, it reminds me that any time on a Scouting trip, it could mean the world to a Scout to get the attention that I received.” 

Another memory from his time in Scouting came when he was 11, just after Halloween. He prepared for a hiking trip, but instead of packing important and useful Scouting items and healthy food to provide him with energy, he brought his sleeping bag, a flashlight, and all of his Halloween candy. While this trip is an enjoyable and funny memory for him, it taught him the importance of being prepared. 

Hayes’ Journey in troop 893 continued when he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after his Eagle project at Richmond Hill Church. For the project, Hayes fixed up an area around the church that had become overgrown. He planted flowers, put in a bench, and recreated a broken rock wall to make the area look appealing. The people who use the area at Richmond Hill were very appreciative of his hard work, and this project was a wonderful way to help his community. 

Eagle Scout emblem. Image credit: Scout Shop.

Hayes kept up with Scouting throughout high school, but at James Madison University he took a break from Scouting to focus on his other obligations. After college, he knew that he wanted to continue Scouting, so he volunteered to lead a program called Adventure Crew for his old troop, 893. When asked to take over as leader in Troop 442 in 2009, he happily took the position and has been devoted to the troop ever since. 

In Hayes’ time leading troop 442, his favorite scouting activities have been white water kayaking, rock climbing, and mountaineering outings. While these are his favorite things to do with the troop, another enjoyable part of leading is when Scouts can become more involved in the troop and go on their first camping trip. Hayes says, “to see Scouts that have never been camping before go camping is always awesome,” as they have fun and learn valuable skills in the process. Hayes is glad to be a leader when he “sees real mature growth, in what [a Scout] has learned about life and about other people” in their time in the troop. 

When asked “what does Boy Scouts mean to you?” Hayes delivered a heartfelt statement that proves his love of Scouting. He believes that “Boy Scouts is an intended microcosm to teach young kids and adults how to lead each other and learn how to make the world a better place for everyone in a service-filled community.” Scouting brings young men into a small group as a community, and they work together. “Through what you learn in that experience, you learn how to live outside of that community.” Hayes believes the intention of Scouting is to bring everyone into a space, give leadership roles, and learn lessons along the way. Scouts can then go out into the real world and use the tools they have learned. Contrary to popular belief, Scouting is not based solely around achievements (like getting badges or Eagle Scout) and camping. Hayes believes that these are “just tools that are used to teach Scouting values and skills.”

Hayes with his troops. Photo courtesy of Tom Hayes.

Hayes has made many sacrifices so that he can be a Scout leader, but he doesn’t see his efforts as a sacrifice, but rather a rewarding experience. He says, “I get more out of Scouting than I put into it… I come away feeling better than before.” Under normal circumstances, Hayes spends around 30 hours a week doing Scouting-relating things or planning, but the amount of time is well worth the personal satisfaction that comes with helping scouts.

Rappelling with a Scout. Photo courtesy of Tom Hayes.

The greatest value that Hayes has learned as a leader is compassion. He says leading has “opened my eyes to some of the worlds that others live in that I haven’t experienced before.” He also noted that he has learned patience, as planning for outings and keeping the troop members on task can sometimes be stressful. 

Outside of scouting, Hayes focuses on contract work, primarily at fitness facilities. He enjoys being self-employed as an independent contractor because it allows him to make a flexible schedule. This flexibility allows him to give priority to important things in his life, such as Scouting and his family.

Featured image credit: Jack Sloop on Unsplash.