Jon Yates Jon Yates, Executive Director of the Boy Scouts of America - Capital Area Council spoke to us about scouting in Central Texas. He said that Boy Scouts and Rotary International grew up together and work together around the country. In the Capital Area Council, there are 15 counties. There were 22,395 scouts in 2019 but are now 15,000 due to recruitment issues during the pandemic. Volunteers are at heart of Scouts, and Jon told us about some of Eagle Scouts and their projects including one of the first female Eagle Scouts. He also told us about how camps are an important part of Scouts and that there is camping again this year including at the Boy Scouts Camp at Lost Pines. He described how merit Badges can lead to life-long pursuits and careers and described the advanced STEM program the Scouts have at Anderson HS. They are trying to add a STEM program at a couple of middle schools in east Austin. Jon described the Explorer program that helps youth see if they want to follow a good career path; it works with professionals in a field such as public safety. The Capital Area Council is currently working to have its membership reflect the demographics of the community and become more gender, ethnically and racially diverse. They are also trying to add council members from outlying communities.