Former Scouts return to Pack 7001 to give their children the same opportunities for adventure, leadership and lifelong friendships that shaped their own lives
By Tarryn Hutchison
Some experiences stay with us long after childhood. For a group of Prescott families, the lessons, friendships and adventures they discovered through Scouting have become the inspiration for something meaningful: bringing those same opportunities to a new generation.
On March 1, 2026, Pack 7001 officially relaunched as a Family Pack, chartered by First Congregational Church in Prescott. With seven Cub Scouts already joining the adventure, the Pack is building a future rooted in a legacy that stretches back generations.
For brothers Matthew and Rick Fee, both Eagle Scouts from Troop 7001, the relaunch is especially personal. They grew up in Scouting together, developing leadership skills, exploring the outdoors and forming friendships that have lasted well into adulthood. Now, alongside their sister, Melissa Stefaniak, and their families, they are returning to help create those same experiences for their children.
“Scouting has the possibility to impact lives forever, but without volunteers, kids miss out,” Matthew said.
That belief is what brought the family back.
A Legacy Worth Continuing
Matthew, who earned his Eagle Scout rank through Troop 7001, served in several leadership positions during his Scouting years, including Scribe and Senior Patrol Leader. He later returned as an Assistant Scoutmaster before leaving for college.
Looking back, he credits Scouting with helping shape the person he became.
“Every good trait that I have today can be traced back to Scouting,” Matthew shared. “Leadership, event coordination, a love for adventure—and most importantly, friendships that have lasted a lifetime.”
Today, Matthew serves as a Committee Member, while his brother Rick has stepped into the role of Den Leader.
Joining them is Tim Potts, another former Scout who remembers the outdoor adventures, campfires, cooking, hikes and friendly competitions that made Scouting such an important part of his childhood.
For Tim, one memory stands out: helping his cousin complete an Eagle Scout project that involved rebuilding bleachers at a local high school.
“It reminds me of the importance of giving back and helping the community,” he said.
Now serving as a Den Leader, Tim hopes to pass along those same values of service, friendship and responsibility to his own children.
Building a Foundation for the Future
The decision to revive Pack 7001 was about more than nostalgia. It was also about recognizing what the Prescott Scouting community needs to continue growing.
“One of our learnings with Troop 1 is that a troop can’t survive without a pack feeding it,” Matthew explained.
Cub Scout packs introduce younger children to Scouting, helping them build confidence, learn new skills and develop an appreciation for teamwork and community service. As those children grow, they can continue their journey through a Scout troop.
By rebuilding Pack 7001, the families are not only creating opportunities for today’s younger Scouts but also helping establish a foundation for the future of Troop 7001.
And in a community where personal connections often span generations, the effort has brought another special reunion.
Learning From the Leaders Who Inspired Them
Matthew and Tim now have the opportunity to work alongside their former Scoutmaster, Rick Brown.
Brown, who recently retired after 13 years as a Ranger at Camp Raymond, remembers the two from their earliest Scouting adventures. Among his memories is a young Matthew carrying a backpack that seemed bigger than he was.
For Matthew, having Brown involved again is particularly meaningful.
“From the time he became Scoutmaster, he was like a second father to me,” Matthew said. “I’m ecstatic to work with him again.”
Tim shares that appreciation.
“It gives me great honor… I am unbelievably proud to work with my former Scoutmaster,” he said.
Their reunion reflects something special about Scouting: the relationships between young people and the adults who mentor them can continue long after the uniforms have been put away.
A New Generation Takes Its First Steps
Leading Pack 7001 today is Cubmaster Alayne Semple, an Adolescent Probation Officer who grew up in a family involved in Scouting.
Her professional experience working with young people, combined with her family’s Scouting background, has strengthened her belief in the importance of positive experiences, supportive mentors and opportunities for personal growth.
Alongside the Pack’s dedicated volunteer leaders, Alayne is helping establish a welcoming environment where children can discover new interests, build friendships and learn through hands-on adventures.
For the parents who have returned to Scouting, the rewards are already clear.
“I’m looking forward to watching my kids, and nephews develop new skills and lifetime friendships,” Matthew said.
Tim hopes his children will one day look back on their experiences with the same gratitude he feels today.
“I pray my kids value and cherish the time invested in them…and always feel supported,” he shared.
For these Prescott families, the relaunch of Pack 7001 represents more than the return of a youth program. It is an opportunity to invest in the next generation, strengthen community connections and carry forward traditions that helped shape their own lives.
Years ago, they were the children learning from dedicated volunteers. Today, they are the adults showing up, giving their time and creating opportunities for others.
And perhaps one day, the seven Cub Scouts helping launch this new chapter will return with children of their own, ready to continue the legacy.
Because sometimes the greatest way to honor the people who helped shape our lives is to become those people for someone else.