5 Questions with Scoutbook Team Lead and Product Owner Bob Scott

If you’ve been keeping up with Scouting Wire, you’ve probably already met the creator of Scoutbook and found out why Scouting Nation loves the handy app. But who’s the BSA leader behind the tool that’s engaging youth on their mobile devices and helping adult leaders deliver the program with more ease than ever? He’s none other than our next feature in the #BSA5Questions series: Bob Scott, Scoutbook Team Lead and Product Owner. Read below as Scott shares what his role means to Scouting and how Scoutbook is helping to keep Scouting programs fresh, exciting and easier to execute.

What’s most exciting about your role as Scoutbook Team Lead and Product Owner?

Bob: Scoutbook frees up unit leaders to spend more time planning and delivering great, life-changing Scouting programs. Plus, youth and families have better ways to communicate and collaborate on the Scouting experience.

What is your Scouting background? What drew you to the BSA?

Bob: Professionally I “grew up” in apparel marketing and merchandising, most recently as senior vice president at Williamson-Dickies. Prior to that, I worked on other brands including Champion, Hanes, Bali and L’eggs. Although my Scouting experience was interrupted by many moves as an Army brat, I’ve always respected the mission of Scouting. I jumped at the opportunity to serve the youth of America at the BSA six years ago. Now, in addition to my role at national, I serve as founding committee member for a Venturing crew.

What’s your favorite Scouting memory?

Bob: I think my favorites are summers at the Philmont Training Center. It’s been fantastic working with the dedicated volunteer faculty who developed the new Cub Scout program and seeing the building excitement of the conference participants as they understand the benefits of the new program. Seeing their enthusiasm to “take it home” has been even more thrilling.

How is Scoutbook significant to the Scouting experience?

Bob: Fundamentally, Scoutbook collects, shares and amplifies the Scouting experience. It makes the planning and administration of the unit simpler for unit leaders. Scouts can share their Scouting experiences and connect with other Scouts they know (with parental permission), while having real-time visibility of their achievements. It also helps parents keep track of their busy family schedules and identify what their Scouts need to progress in Scouting.

And, most important, what’s your go-to campout food?

Bob: Main course would be dutch oven beef stew. I also really love to sit around a campfire, eating cherries in season and throwing the pits in the fire. Spoiler alert: they pop aggressively when heated!

Share #BSA5Questions

Save the 5 Questions infographic and then share with your Scouting network on social media using #BSA5Questions! You can also get to know other BSA employees by catching up on our previous 5 Questions features on our Boy Scout Experience Manager, Director of Health and Safety, Directors of STEM Programs, Order of the Arrow Director and NESA and Scouting Alumni Association Director.