Speakers Friday, May 19, 2023
“Be Prepared”, “Do a Good Turn Daily,” “A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.”
Scouting has traditionally taught these values and more through its camping programs where youth are encouraged to be in charge and allowed to make their own mistakes. Middle Tennessee youth are also priviledged to have the opportunity to learn these values while working in technology through the STEM Scout Program, as directed by Adam West.
Adam West was born and raised in Smyrna, TN. He has lived his whole life in Middle Tennessee, having lived in Smyrna, LaVergne, Murfreesboro, and now Nashville. Adam graduated from the University of Dayton with a BA in History and a double minor in Anthropology and Political Science. After graduating, he became a High School Teacher at Blackman High, where he taught ESL and World History. When he moved on from teaching, he was thrilled to learn about the career opportunities the Boy Scouts offered.
As a kid, Adam started scouts as a Tiger Cub and went all the way to Eagle. With the scouts, Adam was not only trained in outdoor skills, but also various professional skills like teaching, project/program management, public speaking, communication, and how to give a good handshake. However, the most important part of scouting is not the skills, memories, or job opportunities; it is the values that scouting holds dear. The Scout Oath and Law is the basis for Adam’s values, and something he strives to live by every day.
As the STEM and Exploring Executive, it is Adam’s goal to teach other kids about the values of scouting. The only difference is that instead of teaching those values through traditional scouting, he aims to teach those values through science projects, computer programming, flying drones, or career exploration. The values of scouting are timeless, but for the program to be effective, it must adapt to today’s youth. Every year, more kids are excited about technology and what the future may hold. STEM and Exploring aim to meet that need. STEM Scouts faces new challenges with plenty of room for growth and opportunity. Adam is excited to face the future and serve the youth of Middle Tennessee.
Our Current Speaker Schedule
Recent and Future Speakers
| 1/3/25 | Sarah Martino — Nashville Adult Literacy | |
| 1/10/25 | No Meeting | |
| 1/17/25 | Justin Ploof — Mull-It Office 365 Tools | |
| 1/24/25 | Scott Ramsey, CEO Nashville Sports Council | |
| 1/31/25 | Dr Sean Kelly, Infectious Disease Physician at VUMC — Dr Sean Kelly, Infectious Disease Physician at VUMC | |
| 2/7/25 | RalphShultz, CEO Nashville Chamber — Stories of Nashville’s Growth, an Insider’s Perspective | |
| 2/14/25 | Norm Fox, Founder/Owner Donut Den — Interview of the Iconic Green Hills Donut Shop Founder Norm Fox |