When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Stay Calm - the Path to Eagle Isn't Always Easy, But It's Always Worth It
Holden is a Life Scout in Troop 600 in North Carolina. He’s working to earn his Eagle Scout rank and has been a part of the Scouting community for four years – he says that it is his most favorite thing that he does. He loves hanging out with his friends and helping his community, so of course, it made sense for his Eagle Scout project to focus on his biggest passion in life – helping other young people like him remain calm in crisis situations.
You see, Holden is also on the Autism Spectrum, and that can make already intensely scary crisis situations even more terrifying. One of the lessons that he learned early on in life, which in turn has allowed his Scouting experience to be even more fun, was that he needed to try to stay calm when life got overwhelming.
He decided to take all of his favorite tricks for remaining calm and make kits for the first responders in his community to help them when they encounter those on the Autism Spectrum. He started out with what he thought was solid goal at $1,500, and when he surpassed that in a few hours, he raised the goal to $2,000. The overwhelming support of his community network helped him surge past that target as well, giving him the funds to put together 50 kits for the fire stations in the area.
Of course, the local news caught wind of Holden’s amazing Scouting journey and requested the opportunity to interview him, his parents, and his Scoutmaster to share his story. Kate (our very own Scout Chef Kitchen host… and writer… hi, it’s me!) got to go behind the scenes and watch the interviews play out AND help Holden’s team of Scouts work on his Eagle Scout project of building the kits.
First-Hand Scouting Experience
Holden’s excitement around his Eagle Scout project and Scouting in general was contagious. He spoke with engaging confidence (after the initial jitters of being in the spotlight, eek!). Holden knows that his mission to help others like him and give the local fire stations in the area the ability to connect to young people who develop differently, is a powerful one. After the camera and spotlights were turned off, he easily stepped into the role of leader and guided us all in assembly-line style to build the bags full of sensory support items.
It was incredibly moving to listen to Heather and Ben talk about their Scouting experience as parents, as it wasn’t just sign up and go – they had to work with Holden, the other Scouts, and Mike (the Scoutmaster) to stay the course. Through it all, Heather said, “I wasn’t going to give up because I knew how much it meant to him and how much it gives them [young people on the Spectrum] a sense of pride and so much confidence.” What Heather knew from working with Evan (her firstborn son, who is also on the Spectrum), was “When you put our kids (any kids, but ours in particular) in the woods, you are going to get great things from them.”
Mike, the Scoutmaster’s closing words really summed up the evening, “Scouting is available to everyone… whoever you are, Scouting offers its promise to you.” He knows that to accomplish the feat of helping to teach the Scouting program in a way that works for Scouts with different learning abilities, a lot of learning, collaboration, and communication is key – something he emulates to all of his Scouts with grace and a huge side of fun.
What’s In the Kits
Holden decided to incorporate a few different tools to help first responders. As he demonstrated and explained the purpose of each item to the reporter, it was obvious that the tools worked. He was focused and sure of himself, even with a crowd watching, spotlights on him, and a massive camera right in front of him!
- Finger Labyrinth: Focusing on breathing has a powerful calming effect. The finger labyrinth can help the user pay attention to each breath in and each breath out, using both visual stimulation and touch.
- Firefighter Social Story: This comic book-like laminated sheet explains in easy-to-digest story form what is going on and helps those on the Autism Spectrum understand what first responders are doing and how they can help.
- Weighted Blanket: It is no secret that weighted blankets have a calming impact. Holden included a smaller weighted blanket that can be draped over shoulders or across one’s chest if they are laying down for a soothing affect.
- Fidget Spinner, Spiky Sensory Ball, Bubble Popper, and Bubbles: These four toys are designed to allow people to “fidget” in a way that is calming. Sensory toys help people on the Spectrum engage with their senses and regulate their sensory needs.
Inspired by Holden’s story (us too!)? Be sure to let us know in the comments and share this with your friends so they can be inspired, too!
