When Sanjana “Sanju” Purayil looks back on her Scouting journey, she doesn’t just see merit badges and campouts—she sees a series of firsts that helped shape who she is today.
Sanju’s introduction to Scouting started on the sidelines. As a child, she tagged along to her brother’s Cub Scout events—pancake breakfasts, boat regattas, and activities that sparked her curiosity. At the time, Scouting wasn’t yet open to girls, and while she briefly tried Girl Scouts, it didn’t quite fit.
That changed in high school.
“When my brother was preparing for his Eagle Court of Honor, my mom discovered that girls could finally join,” Sanju recalls. “I decided to give it another try.”
She joined Troop 55 as its first female member—an experience that required courage and resilience. Eventually, she found her home in Troop 188G, a place where she could fully thrive, even if it meant a longer drive. It was there that her Scouting journey truly took off—and where she ultimately earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
For Sanju, Scouting has been defined by growth through new experiences.
“I went camping for the first time and learned to cook for myself for an entire day,” she says. “It was a series of firsts.”
One of her favorite memories took place at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation, where she embraced adventure—whitewater rafting and earning eight merit badges in a single week. But beyond the achievements, it was the confidence and independence she gained that made the biggest impact.
Her Eagle Scout project reflects that same drive to make a difference. Sanju led the creation of a pollinator garden at Frank M. Loffredo Park in Lake Villa, planting native species and installing a split-rail fence and educational signage. The project supports critical pollinators like the endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee and the at-risk Monarch butterfly, while also contributing to the community’s environmental goals, including its efforts to become a certified Bee City USA.
It’s a project rooted not just in service, but in purpose—something Sanju believes Scouting helps every young person discover.
“Scouting is a stepping stone for the future,” she says. “It builds leadership, teamwork, and independence, all while being an extremely fun experience.”
She also offers a reminder to those currently on the trail: the path isn’t always easy—but it’s worth it.
“While the journey to Eagle may be difficult, the rewarding moments will stand out much more than the challenges along the way.”
As Sanju looks ahead, she is deciding between Princeton University and Duke University, where she plans to study chemical engineering—another challenge she’s ready to take on with the same determination she’s shown throughout her Scouting career.
For parents, her story is a powerful example of what Scouting can provide: not just activities, but transformation. Confidence. Leadership. A willingness to try something new—and the resilience to keep going.
For Sanju, it all started with simply saying yes.
And that made all the difference.