John Ball, Scoutmaster (Troop 1003)

Meet John Ball, the Scoutmaster for Troop 1003 and the Outdoor Activities Coordinator and Adult Webmaster for Troops 3 & 1003.

John has been a member of Troop 3 since 2022 and Troop 1003 since 2024.

Q: John, what is your background with scouting?
“I started Scouting in 1994 with the Southeast Louisiana Area Council, Pack 437 before moving into Boy Scouts. I left Scouting and pursued an opportunity with another organization before returning to Scouts in 2020 with my wife and children.

“I am the Outdoor Activities Coordinator and Webmaster for Troop 3 and Troop 1003 and the Webmaster and Assistant Den Leader for the Lady Arrow of Light for Pack 183.”

Q: What about your family?
“My wife is the Louisa Pack 183 Outdoor Activities Coordinator, commonly referred to as the ‘Director of Fun’. She recently completed her Wood Badge training at Camp Shenandoah. My oldest son crossed over into Scouts BSA in February of 2022 from Pack 183 to Troop 3. Both my daughter and my youngest son are scouts with Pack 183.”

Q: When it comes to training, what are a few of the trainings you have received during your time Scouts?
“From a Scouts BSA course curriculum perspective, I’ve recently completed my Scoutmaster training, I’m a Merit Badge Counselor, and I’ve completed my committee-specific training. In November of 2022, I completed my Leave No Trace Trainer training. I have plans to attend Wood Badge and Order of the Arrow in 2023.”

Q: What are your favorite things about Scouting?
“My favorite thing about Scouting is ‘opportunity.’

“Scouting brings together people from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Scouting places all members on the same playing field, gives them the tools to succeed, and guides them towards success. People are not grouped into classes based on income, race, education, or other factors… we are just scouts… all scouts with a blank slate ahead of us. We can go as little, or as far, as we want in Scouting.

“To be a positive influence to scouts and have the ability to share my leadership knowledge with others reminds me of the positive influence and leadership skills that my father passed on to me when I was growing up. To share my experiences learned in the professional world with my family and other scouts has been a huge encouragement.

“I am reminded that all of us are living on borrowed time. How we spend that time will define our legacy and shape the future for those behind us. Along with my family, Scouting is one of the few places where I desire to spend my time.”

Q: What are a few of your professional achievements?
“I have earned my GIAC Security Leadership; GIAC Security Strategic Planning, Policy, and Leadership; and GIAC Incident Handler certification from the SANS Institute; Cyber Intelligence Investigator from M.I.; and MDIP from the US DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.”

Q: What do you do outside of Scouting?
“Outside of scouting, my day-to-day job involves cyber security investigations and cyber intelligence operations. I am also a Reserve police officer with a local law enforcement agency. I enjoy hiking and camping with my family as well as fishing, sport shooting, and aviation.”

 

Designation: Scoutmaster (Troop 1003), OAC, and WBM