She was a single mom to 3; he was a single dad to 2. Scouting made them a family.

Asia Preciado was a “clueless but excited den leader” when she and her family began their Scouting journey six years ago.

Asia’s son, then 6 years old, was an eager Tiger Cub Scout. Her daughters, then 2 and 8, couldn’t officially join Scouting at the time, but they tagged along at every camping trip, meeting and pack outing.

“They learned valuable skills, went on adventures and made new friends,” Asia says. “Being a single mom, these little adventures made a huge difference for us all.”

Asia’s assistant den leader was a single dad named Juan Evans. His son was a Tiger, too.

Asia and Juan became best friends as they watched their boys advance through the Cub Scouting ranks. They laughed together through their sons’ many Scouting successes — and occasional failures.

“We have supported each other through personal struggles and celebrated awards our boys earned in Scouts,” Asia says.

About a year ago, Asia and Juan started dating. In November, they got married, and Asia and Juan Evans are now a family of seven.

This blended family, brought together through Scouting, is a testament to the way the BSA can help families make the most of their time together.

A true Scouting family

Everyone in the Evans family is involved in Scouting as members of the Sacramento-based Golden Empire Council.

Asia is her district’s program chair and a committee member for three different units. Juan is a den leader. All five of their kids are in Scouts: a 14-year-old girl in Scouts BSA, two 12-year-old boys in Scouts BSA, an 8-year-old Bear girl and a 7-year-old Tiger boy.

“Six out of seven days we are involved in Scouts,” Asia says. “Monday to Wednesday are den or troop meetings. Thursdays are leader meetings, and the weekends are packed full of Scout events.”

How they make it work

Asia says getting to all these events and meetings takes “a great deal of strategic planning, time management, cooperation … and a little bit of luck.”

The key, she says, is teamwork.

“Make everyone feel like they have a pivotal role that will allow the adventure that you’re on to be completed,” she says. “These kids know the value of hard work and a good deed — even if it doesn’t result in a patch or reward.”

Making magical memories

Scouting offers an unrivaled opportunity for blended families, Asia says. It empowers everyone in the family to feel like part of something special.

“Especially now that girls are a part of Scouts BSA,” she says. “It enables kids to connect and share so many moments together.”

Moments like an overnight trip to Santa Cruz — a place Asia hadn’t been before joining Scouts.

Or Wood Badge training, which helped Asia learn about all the resources available to help volunteers get the most out of Scouting.

Or the fact that “every one of our kids is known and respected in the world of Scouting,” Asia says.

No matter what your family looks like, Scouting’s for you. Scouting helps you discover memories you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Now it’s your turn

How has Scouting strengthened your family? Please share your story in the comments section.