After a day of pistol shooting and climbing 200-foot tall rock formations, senior Jayden Millares enjoys his night by setting off fireworks with his dad. As he sits down in Lucerne Valley in San Bernardino County, he admires the nature that surrounds him. To Millares, these trips in nature aren’t just a break from home — it’s a way to express his freespirit.
Millares, a junior assistant scoutmaster, joined Boy Scouts when he was in fourth grade. Every few months, he goes camping to learn how to prepare and survive in the outdoors. Each summer, he attends camp at Will J. Reid Scout Reservation in Calif., where he participates in a multitude of activities.
Outside of the Boy Scouts, Millares, along with his family and friends, have a three to five day overlanding trip in the middle of a desert or forest every year. Since COVID-19, the group has explored nature and beautiful scenery without cell signal and access to water.
“I got to spend some time with myself. I got to explore, hike to the mines and do things that I wouldn’t be able to do like exploring abandoned places. I also saw views [and desert scenery] for the first time,” Millares said.
Millares is also part of the Tahquitz community, located in Angelus Oaks. Recently joined, he serves as a counselor, lifeguard and canoeing and kayaking instructor. He goes to the mountains for six weeks with the community and helps entertain the younger kids. He also volunteers for community projects, his favorite being his Eagle Scout project, where he helped renovate the exterior of Serenity Foster Care and Adoption center in Covina, creating a garden and a meeting space.
“I gave [the children] a place where they could see their separate loved ones. I feel accomplished after helping on this project,” Millares said. “Once you know your time is contributing to something larger than yourself, you feel more fulfilled.”
When not volunteering, Millares enjoys the sport of pistol shooting, which he has been learning for eight years. He competed in a shooting competition for the first time this year on Sept. 28 in Chino. Hosted by the International Defensive Pistol Association, the contest consisted of eight stages. Although he placed last, he improved his technique and gained a deeper passion for it.
At school, Millares competes in cross country and loves running outdoors in all types of weather, feeling one with nature. With a positive work ethic, he encourages his teammates during the season.
“Jayden never fails to embody what it means to be a leader. He reflects on his personal skills, and applies them to the team,” cross country senior Jonathan Castellanos said.
A new activity he took part in was the annual youth summer retreat at his church, which focuses on relieving stress of daily life and improving spiritual health with God.
“He has lots of energy and is passionate about what he does,” senior Joshua Uy, a church member, said. “[Millares] is the first one to volunteer for games and always tries his hardest.”
For Millares, these activities allow him to take a rest from his busy life by connecting with nature or by helping others.
“I believe that as we get older, commitment starts to run our lives. Many times that’s not a bad thing; that’s hard work put towards someone’s dream. But what about the small moments? Don’t you miss when you could try something out, even for an hour? My outdoor activities allow me to have those moments,” Millares said. Ω
