Ricky Mason’s Scouting journey began in Richmond, Virginia, when he was just seven years old. His mother, Pearl Strauss Mason, told him he would one day be an Eagle Scout, just like his older brother. It was this simple but powerful statement that set the course for Ricky’s lifelong involvement in Scouting. Little did he know this path would not only shape his own future but also play a key role in the future of Scouting in America.

110 Miles of Brotherhood

One of the most unforgettable moments of Ricky’s Scouting experience came in 1974 when he had the chance to be part of a new group of Scouts who hiked at Philmont Scout Ranch. Ricky was part of a crew from Richmond that embarked on a 110-mile trek through the rugged, breathtaking mountains of Philmont. What made this hike so special wasn’t just the physical challenge of the terrain; it was the variety of backgrounds and experiences within the group. Ricky found himself hiking alongside Scouts from different walks of life, learning valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and perseverance. The trek wasn’t just a hiking trip—it was an opportunity to build relationships through shared experiences. Ricky quickly realized that Scouting’s true strength lies in its ability to bring people together, regardless of their differences.

Looking back, Ricky recalls moments of camaraderie that still stick with him. There was the time they climbed Mount Baldy, but thanks to an inexperienced ranger, they did it the “wrong way,” up a steep face, which caused a fair amount of frustration but also plenty of laughs. And who could forget the simple joy of reaching Ponil Camp and stopping by the root beer saloon? Those moments of connection, of being in it together, became the foundation of Ricky’s love for Scouting, noting “Philmont is almost a place of reverence for me; you go into it as a kid and ten days or two weeks later, come out as something much more, with vivid memories for the rest of your life.”

The lessons Ricky learned during that Philmont trek stayed with him long after the trip was over. They shaped him into a young leader, ready to take on new challenges and help others grow. By the time he earned his Eagle Scout rank at just 14 years old, Ricky had already developed a deep understanding of perseverance, leadership, and the importance of community.

Continuing a Journey of Service

Ricky’s commitment to Scouting only grew as he got older. Later in life, when Scouting was facing one of its most difficult periods, he stepped into a significant leadership role. As chair of the Ad Hoc Committee of Local Councils, he represented over 250 independent councils and helped create the largest settlement fund of its kind in U.S. history—playing a key role in helping the organization to recover and move forward. His work during this time helped guide Scouting through a challenging moment and set the stage for the future we now embrace as Scouting America.

These days, Ricky remains actively involved with Scouting, serving on the National Executive Board and National Executive Committee, ensuring that Scouting continues to grow and provide opportunities for all young people. Building on this lifelong dedication, Scouting America recently announced that Ricky has been elected Chair-Elect of their National Executive Board, scheduled to assume the role of National Chair in May 2026. Ricky is especially proud to see young women earning their Eagle Scout ranks and continues to believe that Scouting has an essential role to play in developing the next generation of leaders.