Hayley Cordaro is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She loves sharing inspiring success stories and uncovering new ways volunteers and employees can make the most of their Scouting experience. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.
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A Scout’s “Duty to God” has been addressed by the BSA since the first Handbook for Boys was published in 1911 and continues to be an important aspect of Scouting today.
On July 7, 2017, this Scouting pillar was supported as the Boy Scouts of America completed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Community of Christ in Independence, MO.
Chief Scout Executive, Michael Surbaugh and Scott Murphy, director of field ministries for Community of Christ recognized the relationship as an opportunity for both organizations to continue working together to instill strong values in youth.
According to Community of Christ, the first Boy Scout troop west of the Mississippi River was started at the Stone Church, a Community of Christ congregation just a few hundred feet from where the Temple now stands.
For more information on this memorandum of understanding, you can review the details here.
Scouts watch as their Pinewood Derby cars race down the track at the Laurel BMW auto dealership in Westmont, IL. (Photo credit: Steve Johnston/ Pioneer Press)
Do you think engineless, brakeless, wooden cars stand a chance in a race alongside high performance vehicles like BMWs? In the case for Cub Scouts of the Pathway to Adventure Council, their Pinewood Derby race cars took the gold for speed, creativity and fun during their annual Pinewood Derby race hosted at the Laurel BMW auto dealership in Westmont, IL.
Though the derby cars were diminutive in size next to the German luxury vehicles, the engineering, design, and enthusiasm behind these Pinewood Derby racers were larger than life for 37 Cub Scouts from Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Willowbrook and Downers Grove.
Prior to race day, Scouts started with official Pinewood Derby car kits from the Boy Scouts of America, complete with a block of wood, tires, and axles. Next, the Cub Scouts and their parents began engineering their race cars at a local clinic where they received pointers and access to tools. From there, the boys painted the cars and began practicing for the big day.
“Most of our families take advantage of that,” shared James Lobraco, Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 10. “We try to level the playing field, so that no matter what level of skill the fathers have, the boys can compete.”
This is the third year Laurel BMW has hosted the derby and invited the boys to race on a custom-built, 42-foot long, six-lane aluminum track. The track was donated by the dealership thanks to general manager Pat Womack’s appreciation for the beloved Scouting activity. Womack is not only a Pinewood Derby racer himself, but he’s also a former Cub Scout.
Once the races concluded, the dealership showcased a new BMW engine block in the shop for the boys to marvel. Lobraco says the boys were able to learn about how an engine works and the different components involved in its engineering.
To read the complete story on this unique Pinewood Derby experience, visit the Chicago Tribune.
Scoutmaster Mike Mikulski of Western Springs leads Troop 19 during a first aid lesson. (Photo credit: Jon Langham / Pioneer Press)
Boy Scouts of America volunteers play a critical role in helping to deliver Scouting programs that build character, leadership, and integrity in thousands of youth members across the country.
Every Scouting volunteer – from a Cub Scout’s first den leader to the council representative reviewing a Scout at an Eagle Scout board of review – contributes to the overall success of the Scouting program. Volunteers are mentors and teachers who dedicate their free time to building youth into the future leaders of tomorrow.
Gina V. Prendergast, district membership chairperson for the Voyageur Trace District and the committee chairperson for Troop 19 in La Grange, is an excellent example of such a volunteer. Gina started volunteering in the program when her son, Joseph, was a Cub Scout.
“In my volunteering at the district and council level, I have worked with other volunteers that have up to 40 years of dedication to Scouting, well beyond the time of their own sons but valued the program so much and realized that their time and wisdom are appreciated,” Prendergast shared with the Chicago Tribune.
One of the main reasons why Prendergast says she remains involved in Scouting is because the program teaches young men essential life skills.
“I think that people would be surprised at the commitment level that the boys have to Scouting in the midst of so many other distractions and opportunities,” she says. “Boy Scouts meet once a week to not only have fun but to perform exercises of character building, leadership and friendship whether it’s building a large sled for the Klondike Derby, planning and shopping for camp out meals or demonstrating how to put up a tent or tie knots to a pack of Cub Scouts.”
But the Scouts’ commitment to the program doesn’t stop there – Boy Scouts also become volunteers and give back to their communities.
“Boy Scouts help their community with activities such as park clean-up days, flag ceremonies at Village Board meetings, supporting their chartered organizations, which range from churches to American Legions, with service projects or supporting fundraising,” explained Prendergast.
To get the full story on why volunteers in this community are engaged with Scouting, visit the Chicago Tribune.
Will H. raised money and build a pavilion at Funkstown Community Park for his Eagle Scout project. (Photo credit: Ric Dugan/Herald-Mail Media)
Scouting has played an integral role in the life of 17-year-old Will H. of the Mason-Dixon Council. Will’s involvement in the program at a young age introduced him to the importance of leadership, service, and hard work. Today, he credits Scouting for leading him to discover his life calling.
“The Boy Scouts helped me realize my purpose in life is to help other people,” shared the Scout with Herald-Mail Media.
Will says his Scouting experience has inspired him to become a police officer for his local police department one day. The Scout is well on his way to reaching that goal and is currently a senior in his high school criminal justice program. After high school, Will hopes to study accounting, criminal justice and law enforcement to further educate his pursuits of fighting crime.
Carrying On His Family’s Eagle Scout Legacy
Scouting hasn’t just been a singular journey for the teen – the program has been a family tradition, as well. The Scout recently earned the Eagle Scout rank and joined the likes of his Eagle Scout father, grandfather and uncle.
The third-generation Eagle says being an Eagle Scout is important to his family because it teaches people that not everything in life can be handed to you, sometimes you have to earn it.
And earn it he did. Will built a 240-square-foot pavilion in Funkstown Community Park for his Eagle Scout project. He raised $2,500 in donations from friends and family to complete the project and also received shingle and concrete donations from local business owners.
“I thought it was doable, and I thought it would be a good challenge for me,” the Eagle Scout explained of the service project.
Though Will has now reached Scouting’s highest rank and discovered his life purpose, he plans to continue being involved in the program. The Eagle hopes to help other boys reach their goals by becoming an adult leader for his Boy Scout troop.
“I just want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Will said.
To learn more about how Scouting led this Eagle Scout to discover his life’s purpose, check out the full article from Herald-Mail Media.
To learn more about the positive impact that Scouting can have on young people like Will, be sure to check out this article on the recent Tufts study, and watch this video:
Brothers John, Bradley, and Parker Trecha displaying their decorated merit badge sashes. (Photo credit: Jeff Trecha)
Named “Scouting’s highest achievement,” the Eagle Scout rank is one of the most challenging and rare awards offered to Scouts before their 18th birthday. The accomplishment is so rare, in fact, only 6 percent of Scouts ascend to the esteemed rank. Yet three brothers from the Water and Woods Field Service Council not only joined the select few, they also all earned every merit badge available.
Brothers John, 18, Parker, 16, and Bradley, 14, Trecha have earned a total of 418 merit badges between them, each going beyond the required 21 merit badges for Eagle Scout. Though the BSA does not keep an official record of Eagles who have attained all the merit badges, these Eagles are undoubtedly among an exceptional subset of men to have earned the award.
The brothers join a rich legacy of Eagle Scouts in their family, including uncles Randal, Greg, Victor, and Steven and several cousins. Among that group of Eagles is their father and Scoutmaster, Jeff.
In 2014, Eagle Scout family members attended Parker’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor to support his achievement. Pictured left to right – Alex, Jeff, Randal, Parker, John, Greg, and Victor Trecha. (Photo credit: Jeff Trecha)
“I look back on my Scouting career and earning my Eagle, and I see how my values have been shaped through Scouting,” shared Jeff. “I wanted these same values to be available and taught to my three sons, and also to my daughter, Breanna, 14, who is a Venturer in Grand Blanc, MI.”
Deeply rooted in Scouting at a young age, the boys all joined Pack 286 and graduated to Boy Scout Troop 219 in Fenton, MI. Oldest brother, John, was the first to surpass the Eagle requirements in 2012 when he earned 142 merit badges, setting an example for his younger brothers to go above and beyond expectations. For his Eagle Scout project, John constructed a prayer area at his church cemetery.
“I really enjoyed earning all the merit badges,” explained John. “It gave me a chance to explore and learn 1,000s of new skills and experience new ideas that I never would have been able do.”
Just two years later, Parker followed in his brother’s footsteps and became an Eagle Scout after completing 138 merit badges. For his Eagle Scout project, he built a dog path at their local Adopt-A-Dog facility, the location where his family adopted their beloved dog, Ruby.
Parker says being an Eagle Scout is very important to him. “It means to be a leader everyday of your life,” he said. “It also means responsibility and maturity.”
Eagle Scout brothers John, Bradley, and Parker with Venturer sister Breanna and parents, Jeff and Amy Trecha. (Photo Credit: Jeff Trecha)
This year, youngest brother, Bradley, joined his ambitious brothers in the Eagle Scout rank after spearheading a meaningful service project at the VFW community pavilion in honor of his grandfather, a United States veteran. He, too, completed 138 merit badges.
“It’s a huge achievement,” Bradley beamed. “It takes a lot of time and effort to accomplish these goals. I will use these Scouting years as a stepping stone to achieve other goals in my life.”
Bradley’s older brothers agreed and say they will continue to set their sights high for future endeavors. In fact, John plans to attend Kettering University to study engineering after graduation, while both Parker and Bradley aspire to careers in the medical field.
“Words really cannot describe how so incredibly proud of John, Parker and Bradley we are,” shared Jeff. “They really have spent so much time working hard on achieving both their Eagle rank and earning all the merit badges. Scouting has definitely prepared them for life lessons.”
Kyle S., rakes a hiking trail he is improving as part of his Eagle Scout project. (Photo credit: Michael Pearce, The Wichita Eagle)
Eagle Scouts are always willing to lend a helping hand for the benefit of others. These hard-working Scouts have a long history of completing service projects that make a difference in their communities – whether it’s for their official Eagle Scout project or because they have an everyday passion for public service.
In Kansas, community members are taking notice of the hundreds of Eagle Scout projects being completed each year and they’re thrilled at the results. In fact, Kansas had 647 Scouts become Eagles in 2015 equating to that many service projects across the state.
But while the benefits of these projects reach a myriad of communities, these projects also make a profound impact on the boys themselves.
“It is all about the leadership from start to stop,” said Dustin Farris, National Eagle Scout Association director to The Wichita Eagle. “This is one time they can’t count on the Scout leader or mom and dad. This is one time when everybody else relies on them.”
Eagle Scout Caden J., agreed and says he even helped a fellow Scout complete his project because teamwork with other aspiring-Eagles can be part of the process, too.
“We have to do everything. We have to come up with plans, and get them approved, (by Scout leaders, the hosting location and, sometimes, government agencies),” shared Caden. “It’s up to us to find a way to get all of the materials, then we need get the materials to the project and organize the manpower to get the project completed.”
Caden and his brother, Caleb, spearheaded separate Eagle Scout projects to improve a public piece of natural lands near their high school. Between the two, the boys lengthened and cleaned the trail and constructed and installed houses for birds, bats, and butterflies. They also installed 17 stations that use a cellphone app to teach hikers about the animals and vegetation on the land.
“We’ll be naming this the Eagle Trail, to honor all of the work the Eagle Scouts have done out here,” said Denise Scribner, a science teacher at their high school. “I’m not sure how we’d have gotten the funding and labor otherwise.”
Caleb says he hopes the trail serves as a reminder that others can make a difference in the community, too.
“Someday I’ll be able to bring my kids here and show them what I did,” he said. “That will be neat for all of us.”
Learn more about other Eagle Scout projects that are benefiting the Kansas community by reading the full story on The Wichita Eagle.
Scout Adrian R. on lookout duty during a Boy Scout cruise on Lake Superior. (Photo credit:Alfy Wolfram)
Boy Scout leader Alfy Wolfram might be 73-years-old, but he still knows what kind of experiences teens nowadays are craving: the unforgettable, meaningful ones you want to tell all of your friends about, of course.
The Scout leader is a seasoned sailor and has been actively involved in Scouting for more than 60 years, so he had an idea to merge his two passions in a way that would benefit local teens in a unique way.
Wolfram took a group of Boy Scouts, ages 13 to 16, and other Scout leaders on a 220-mile, eight-day trip on the Canadian side of Lake Superior.
Since the Boy Scout program is designed to be boy-led, Wolfram says the four Scouts were charged with the responsibility of running the boat. There were also four adult leaders on board to oversee their efforts, but it was the Scouts who kept watch, planned meals and took care of the boat’s log, charting and navigation.
The group sailed to Rossport, Ontario, and back to Thunder Bay, anchored in the evenings and camping on shore during the nights.
“This is something that’s a true adventure for them,” Wolfram said. “These are places where they are really tested.”
From left, Matthew V., Assistant Scoutmaster Rick Albrecht and Skipper Alfred Wolfram near Thunder Bay, Ontario. (Photo credit: Beverly Verweg)
And tested they were. High winds and rocky waters met the crew, but they didn’t let that stop them. On two of the nights, the storms were so strong that shorelines were too littered with fallen trees to make camp and everyone slept on the boat.
Though the voyage wasn’t always smooth sailing, the Scouts learned how to work together in the face of challenges. And as Scouts are always taught, they were prepared ahead of time by conducting “man overboard drills” before setting sail. Two of the sailors on the boat were even certified lifeguards.
“Six- to eight-foot waves can really throw you about in the boat,” said one of the Scouts, Antonio V., 15.
Other Scouts on the trip included Adrian R., 13; Matthew V. 16; and Cody A., 14.
“I think we definitely learned how to work together, because when you’re confined to a 32-foot-long boat with eight people, you have to learn to work together,” said Adrian, Wolfram’s grandson.
The Scouts saw more than just choppy waters and the confines of their sailboat, though. Once the storms passed, the teens had the opportunity to explore when they reached the shoreline.
They saw wildlife like bears and moose and heard loons and wolves in the distance. The Scouts also gazed at beautiful scenic views and a waterfall.
“Those kids grew so much. They grew so much in experience,” Wolfram said. “I’d sail around the world with this crew.”
Get the full story on this unforgettable Scouting adventure and learn more about the Scouts on the trip by reading the original article from TwinCities.com Pioneer Press.
To learn more about the positive impact that Scouting can have on young people, be sure to check out this article on the recent Tufts study, and watch this video:
The opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro is happening this Friday. The historic day marks the start of some spectacular global competition that joins the best athletes from around the world – including at least seven Eagle Scouts representing the U.S team!
Bryan on Scouting confirmed with the National Eagle Scout Association in his story that seven men from the U.S. team will be going for the gold this month.
Who are these seven guys who donned the Scout threads and Eagle badge long before sporting their Team USA uniforms? Get the scoop on them below.
1. Casey Patterson
This Olympics will be Casey’s first experience competing in the Games and he’s going to be vying for a medal in beach volleyball. He’s from Newbury Park, California and earned Eagle Scout in 1997.
He’ll be competing with teammate Jake Gibb starting on August 6 against Qatar. Watch it live at 3:30 p.m. Eastern through a variety of networks like NBC, CNBC, MSNBC and USA Network or catch him streaming here.
2. Ryan Held
Also Ryan’s first Olympics experience, you can watch this Eagle zipping through the water in the 4×100 swimming freestyle relay. Hailing from Springfield, Illinois, he earned Scouting’s highest rank in 2010.
The heat is on for this swimmer as he was deemed the third-fastest individual swimmer in the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. Team Trials back in June. Catch him on August 7 begining at noon Eastern on NBC or streaming online.
3. John Nunn
John is competing in the Olympics for the third time this month and will be dashing to the finish line in the Track and Field 50K Race Walk. He’s from San Diego and ascended to the Eagle ranks in 1992.
Competing in the longest Olympic event means he’s got a long road ahead of him (literally), but he recently accomplished a career milestone when he finished 37 in the 50K race walk at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. Watch him August 19 at 7 a.m. Eastern (and plan for a long breakfast because the race ends 3.5 hours later) and check the streaming schedule for the event here.
Learn More
Find out who the other four Eagles are by heading to Bryan on Scouting for the full story.
*Editor’s note: this post was updated to include mention of an additional Eagle Scout competing in the Olympics
Scouts collected American flags at the downtown Orlando memorial at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to be retired in a flag retirement ceremony. (Photo credit: Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel)
Boy Scouts gathered hundreds of soiled American flags from the lawn outside the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Fla., concluding a memorial service that paid tribute to the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.
Scouts collected mini-flagpoles lodged in the dirt, surrounded by wet gifts and melted candles left to honor the victims.
The Scouts’ flag collection project was completed in collaboration with officials from the Orange County Regional History Center and the American Legion.
Scouts at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando on Monday morning, July 18, 2016. (Photo credit: Jacob Langston / Orlando Sentinel)
According to Chris Crowley, director of field service for the Central Florida Council, the flags were deemed unserviceable for various reasons, including touching the ground, and will be respectfully retired through the American Legion.
Crowley says Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ office reached out to the Scouts for help and the boys were happy to be of service.
“I would say one of things I feel is proud, very proud,” said Crowley to the Orlando Sentinel.
“It’s a real great honor as a Scout to protect these flags,” explained Eagle Scout Michelangelo D. “It’s really sad. We’re here to support.”
The Eagle’s mother said the memorial was so emotional that tears welled in her eyes when her son led the Pledge of Allegiance before the group. Concluding the Pledge, three Scouts put on white gloves and properly folded a flag that had been laid on the grass.
For the complete story on how these Scouts are servicing their Orlando community, please visit the Orlando Sentinel.
Eagle Scout Jarod D., receiving Scouting’s highest rank before friends and family during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Bethel Presbyterian Church (Photo credit: Laura Peters/The News Leader)
Before Eagle Scout Jarod D. was even born, he was diagnosed with a heart defect that left the family with a difficult decision to make at his birth. Would Jarod have multiple heart surgeries, a transplant or go home to live out his limited life?
Jarod’s mother, Stephanie, said the transplant was the last option they wanted to consider for a newborn, so they chose the surgeries.
For years, Jarod underwent several procedures and handled them well. Yet at age 13, his heart started to fail and was placed on a heart transplant list in 2014.
The Scout received a new heart in January 2015 and his mom says his life has since been completely transformed.
“He’s thrived,” Stephanie shared with News Leader. “He’s gone to prom, he’s gone to concerts … ”
Prior to receiving his new heart, Jarod was very limited in what he could do and also suffered from cerebral palsy since birth. Yet despite his health challenges, the teen always strived to remain active in Scouting.
Aspiring to Reach Scouting’s Highest Rank
Jarod always dreamed of becoming an Eagle Scout like his brother, J.W., so he made it his mission to ascend to Scouting’s highest rank. To do that, the Scout needed to lead an Eagle Scout service project so he brainstormed with his mom and doctors to come up with the perfect idea.
Through his personal experiences in the cardiovascular department at the University of Virginia Medical Center, the Scout was inspired to design a project that would be meaningful to him and lift the spirits of children who have heart problems.
The teen constructed three bravery chests to be placed in each echocardiography room at the hospital as a part of Mended Little Hearts, support group for children, patients and families affected by congenital heart disease. He filled the chests with toys, games and activities, encouraging kids to take them home or play with while at the hospital.
Jarod’s dad, John, says he’s thrilled his son not only received a new heart, but he’s also proud that Jarod is now among a rare group of men who earned the Eagle Scout rank. Stephanie shares her husbands elation and says her son’s positive attitude always brightened up a room, even through tough medical setbacks. Jarod’s Scoutmaster agrees.
“Scouting has been a big thing in his life,” explained Scoutmaster Wayne Swisher. “He was always active. He always had a smile on his face and when you were down, you just look at him.”
A Scout is Cheerful, after all and Jarod is a shining example of what it looks like to live out the Scout Law and Scout Motto.
For the full story about this inspirational Eagle Scout, head to News Leader.
A Scout’s “Duty to God” has been addressed by the BSA since the first Handbook for Boys was published in 1911 and continues to be an important aspect of Scouting today.
This Olympics will be Casey’s first experience competing in the Games and he’s going to be vying for a medal in beach volleyball. He’s from Newbury Park, California and earned Eagle Scout in 1997.
Also Ryan’s first Olympics experience, you can watch this Eagle zipping through the water in the 4×100 swimming freestyle relay. Hailing from Springfield, Illinois, he earned Scouting’s highest rank in 2010.
John is competing in the Olympics for the third time this month and will be dashing to the finish line in the Track and Field 50K Race Walk. He’s from San Diego and ascended to the Eagle ranks in 1992.
