‘Scouting means family:' Cub Scout feeding others by founding nonprofit

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This year's Great Smoky Mountain Council Cub Scout of the Year is an active scout who sells popcorn, enjoys pinewood derby cars, going camping and being with his friends, but most importantly, is devoted to service.
Acen Kala is a master cookie maker. He makes pans of his famous brownies made with the help of his mother Nisha. She's encouraged her 10 year old son to learn early about serving others.
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He's just a 5th grader, yet he's demonstrated a strong sense of compassion and leadership. Acen founded his own non-profit, Mission ACE, about 3 years ago. It's purpose is to offer comfort and nourishment to those facing hard times.
'So, I help, I help the homeless a lot, that need food and that need clothing The homeless are unfortunate, so we need to help them more. We need to get them to another level that is good,' Acen Kala said.
Acen has partnered with 'The Love Kitchen' providing food, and Angelic Ministries and the YWCA filling and distributing mission bags. Monthly, he takes goodies to Transformation Church's food pantry.
Acen enjoys regular kids stuff too. He likes to go fishing. Another favorite, being outdoors with his friends. Acen has been a Cub Scout since the first grade.
'Scouting means family. Scouting is a community, it's a really close community. Through scouting we have build good friends who we see as family. For me as a parent it was important that he saw the homeless and what they were going through to help build that empathy. It's important in terms of growth. It has really shaped and formed Acen and his character,' Nisha Kala said.
He's an academic achiever at Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge.
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Acen and his mom received the Dove Award from ARC for their contributions to those with developmental disabilities. His goal in life is to shoot for the stars.
'I want to get to space and try to see the moon and all kinds of things in space,' Acen Kala said.
Acen is one of the three scouts being honored at the Great Smoky Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts' Distinguished Citizens Dinner. The council is also honoring 110 'iconic leaders' of the council as it celebrates its 110th year.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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