All posts by Hayley Cordaro

Avatar photo

About Hayley Cordaro

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.

Electrifying Season of Battlebots Features New and Returning Scouting Contenders

BattleBotsBattle Bots, ABC’s gear-grinding robot combat series, is back for season two this summer and once again, Scouting competitors are planning to sweep the robot-shrapnel ridden floor with their engineering prowess to take home the big win.

Last year you saw the Bales family – Scoutmaster Tom Bales, wife Connie Ryan, and Eagle Scout sons Greg, Max and Will Bales – from the South Florida Council split up into Team Mohawk and Team Hypershock to not only compete for the coveted “giant nut award,” but also vie for some major family bragging rights.

This year for season two, Team Mohawk and Team Hypershock return to the BattleBox arena, but they aren’t the only two teams with Scouting skills backing them up. Team Chaos Corps is ready to rumble with Cubmaster Randy Farmer Bombshell-and-Chaos-Corps-1 2leading the way and much of the other team members coming from Scouting backgrounds, too.

Watch as these bot battling crews duke it out on Battlebots tonight at 8 p.m./7 p.m. CST and head over to Bryan on Scouting for the full story on the new Scouting team joining the Bales family. You can get a sneak peak at some of the other competitors, along with an interview of Eagle Scout Will Bales from the Hypershock Team (at 4:35), by checking out the video below!

How This Scout Collected $15,000 in Toys for Kids Battling Cancer

TeenCollectsforCancer
Scouts load boxes of toys for Comer Children’s Hospital. (Photo credit: Michele Fortuna / HANDOUT)

Whether directly or indirectly, the effects of cancer touch the lives of millions of Americans across the country. For Scout Zach F., of the Pathway to Adventure Council, he’s witnessed the hardships and pain of cancer through his cousin, Chris, who’s currently battling against neuroblastoma at just 6-years-old.

Impassioned to ease the struggles of his cousin and other children battling cancer like him, Eagle Scout candidate Zach decided to spearhead a project that would bring some much-needed joy to patients at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago – the same hospital his young cousin is undergoing treatment.

What began as an idea, quickly grew to become a wildly successful toy drive in which Zach collected $15,000 in toys from local businesses and community members.

“I’ve seen how happy it makes the children to get toys,” shared Zach to the Chicago Tribune. “It lifts their spirits. It makes their treatment easier.”

Zach began the project in March with an ambitious goal in mind – he wanted to gather enough toys to fill a 10-foot-long truck.

“I was amazed by the generosity of people,” said the Scout.

The Eagle-candidate achieved his goal after putting in long hours of hard work marketing his project, placing fliers and boxes at local stores, libraries and community centers across town.

“It’s been fun. But it has been a lot of work,” he said. “I’ve put in 275 hours into this since March.”

But the Scout didn’t complete the project alone – he enlisted the help of Scouts from his troop to sort and deliver the toys, too.

“I’ve learned about the generosity of people and about leadership skills,” he said. “I’ve learned what it takes to be a leader. You have to think on your feet and have a back-up plan.”

Zach’s aunt, Danielle, was nearly speechless when asked about the impact of Zach’s project on her family and expressed her greatest appreciation for his thoughtful service.

“We are all just blown away by his efforts and by how eagerly and willingly people gave,” she said.

Danielle says Zach’s project will help brighten the lives of the children battling cancer, reminding them their lives are not all about hospital visits and medical treatment.

“Zach understands first-hand how important it is for them to have some sense of normalcy in their lives,” explained Danielle.

“This was a very personal project for him,” she said.

Learn more about how this Eagle Scout candidate was inspired to spread joy to cancer patients in his community by reading the full story from the Chicago Tribune.

50 Scouts Become Eagles Thanks to This Scoutmaster

Troopleader
Scoutmaster Bud Boyer of the North Florida Council (Photo credit: Ocala.com)

Committed adult volunteers are paramount to the success of delivering the values-based programs the Boy Scouts of America aims to provide youth. Volunteers like Bud Boyer of the North Florida Council are a prime example of what it looks like to generously serve the youth of his community – after all, Bud has led not one, but 50 Scouts to achieve Scouting’s highest rank.

“Mr. Boyer epitomizes what a Scout leader should be. He constantly leads by example and is a true mentor to the boys from his troop as well as the citizens in his community. Achieving 50 Scouts being led down the path to Eagle is nothing short of amazing dedication to Scouting and the community as these 50 are our future leaders,” explained Jim Hilty, president of the Ocala City Council and member of the local Eagle Scout Board of Review, to Ocala.com.

Scoutmaster Boyer, 75, has served countless Troop 113 Scout generations, tracing back to the 1970s when he began as an assistant Scoutmaster.

“Bud Boyer lives the Scout Oath and Scout Law. There are hundreds of Scouts better off today (because of his leadership) and he will tell you Scouting is a team effort,” said Scout Executive Jack Sears of the North Florida Council in Jacksonville.

Boyer recently attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for the 50th Eagle Scout and was also recognized for the milestone at the occasion.

“Mr. Boyer is the best mentor,” said Rockwell F., 19, a former Scout of Troop 113 who made Eagle in 2013.

Boyer remembers the first Scout who became an Eagle under his leadership and adds that his family also contributes to the long line of Troop 113 Scouts to become Eagles.

“My first Eagle Scout was Bobby Barnes in 1992. Our three sons, Willet, Rob and Jim, made Eagle through Troop 113,” Boyer shared.

Characteristics like having drive, ambition, and being a natural leader are common traits Boyer says he looks for in a prospective Eagle Scout candidate. He stresses the importance of respectfulness in his teachings and applauds the efforts of other volunteers in the council who have contributed to the Scouts’ success in the program.

“They are usually hooked on Scouting,” he said.

That enthusiasm for Scouting is exactly why number 50 isn’t the end of the line of Scouts to fall within Boyer’s legacy – Eagle candidates 51 and 52 are currently on the heels of boys before them who made a difference in their community and ascended to the Eagle rank.

Learn more about how this inspiring Scout leader is paving the way for future Eagles by reading the full story on Ocala.com.

Boy Scout Helps Save Houston Shooting Victim’s Life

Boy Scout Nicholas L., braved gunfire to help save a man’s life after suffering gunshot wounds Sunday afternoon. (Photo credit: ABC 13 Eyewitness News)

A mass shooting erupted in a Houston, Texas neighborhood on Sunday, leaving one man killed and six others injured. Fortunately for one gunshot victim, a Boy Scout was at the scene and helped saved his life.

Unaware of the terror and gunfire that had just been unleashed moments before, 17-year-old Boy Scout Nicholas L., rushed to the aid of a man he found crying in pain and bleeding in the street of his neighborhood. It wasn’t until he asked the victim what happened that he discovered the man had been shot – and the shooter was still at large.

“I thought it was just a car accident,” Nicholas shared with The Daily Beast. “There were three other people on the scene. They were just looking down on the man while he was screaming, ‘help me, help me’ and grabbing his leg.”

Nicholas wasted no time before he sprang into action, employing the techniques he learned in Scouting to help the gunshot victim before an ambulance arrived.

“That’s when I realized there were actually two wounds, one where the bullet entered his thigh, and one where it exited,” Nicholas explained.

The Scout asked bystanders to call 9-1-1 and then requested that the victim remove his suit vest. Using the vest, the Scout quickly crafted a tourniquet to tie off the wound and prevent further blood loss. The Scout understood the importance of keeping calm under pressure so he spoke to the victim the entire time, ensuring he was at ease while tending to his wounds. Nicholas’ high school history teacher happened to be nearby and assisted the Scout.

The police arrived shortly thereafter and secured the perimeter. First responders then loaded up the victim in the ambulance and overtook treatment.

“In Boy Scouts they always talk about helping others and serving the community just because that’s what you’re supposed to do as a citizen,” he said. “I just knew that I could help him so I did.”

Read the full story on how this Scout used the skills he learned in Scouting to save a man’s life by visiting The Daily Beast and watch what the Scout had to say about his life-saving feat in the video by ABC 13 Eyewitness News.

Scouts’ Interest in Aviation Takes Off at Unique Camp

6913-CR2-0636_LNixing the traditional idea of a weekend Boy Scout camping trip, 27 troops from the Black Swamp Area Council opted for a unique experience that had them thinking about their future while also keeping their heads in the clouds.

Hosted by service members at the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing at Toledo Express Airport, the aviation camp gathered more than 250 Scouts and leaders to learn about the science behind aviation and how pilots can use their know-how to protect the country.

“We’re focusing a lot of our stations on science, technology, engineering, and math,” said 1st Lt. Jordyn Sadowski to Aviation Pros. “It’s a great chance for them to interact with military members and really see who is protecting their freedoms. Every person here is essentially from this community. It’s a really cool interaction that they’re able to bond over.”

Scouts at the event visited activity stations throughout the base to learn about the 180th Fighter Wing, its missions, and the numerous careers available throughout the Air National Guard. Activity stations introduced Scouts to a variety of aviation tools and topics including security forces, weaponry, emergency management, aircrew flight equipment, and even a closeup view of the wing’s F-16 fighter jets.

The camp was the first Boy Scout event hosted by the 180th Fighter Wing. For Scouts like 12-year-old Alex who says he is considering joining the Air Force, the camp was a great opportunity to explore a future career.

“I think it’s pretty cool, and fancy, and expensive,” he said. “It’s very clean. I like the runway the best.”

Scouts also got to know members of the 180th Fighter Wing, some of whom were former Scouts.

“It’s amazing that we get to come to the base, see the fighter planes,” said 15-year-old Derek E. “It’s nice that the soldiers are allowing us to be hands-on with the weapons and being able to look at the aircraft. We get to learn and meet new Scouts. It’s overall very enjoyable.”

In addition to teaching the Scouts about the STEM behind aviation, the Air National Guard also aimed to educate youth about the importance of developing into the responsible leaders of tomorrow.

Get the full story on how Scouts are exploring aviation through a STEM lens by visiting Aviation Pros. You can also learn more about how Scouts can dive into fun careers like aviation by checking out Exploring.org.

Scout’s Family Experiences Inspire Him to Give Back to Children in Foster Care

EagleScout

Eagle Scout Hunter B., discovered first-hand how children transitioning from foster care to new families would often arrive with a trash bag full of worn-out belongings and it struck a chord with him. He was impassioned to provide comfort and a sense of belonging to those children so he orchestrated an Eagle Scout project to make his idea a reality.

Hunter of the Alamo Area Council spearheaded a project that gathered more than 100 “Day 1 bags” for children being removed or changing placements through the Child Protective system. The idea stemmed from his personal experiences because his parents have adopted several children through foster care. 

EagleProject“I wouldn’t want to feel that way if I was a foster child,” Hunter shared with News 4 San Antonio. “I would want myself to have something and this will give them that.” 

Hunter raised $10,000 from family, friends, neighbors and local churches to make the project possible and gathered a range of essential items to pack the bags. The Scout loaded more than 100 bags with items and toiletries like blankets, flashlights, tooth brush, toothpaste, toys, brushes, underwear, books, coloring books, and crayons. The bags also included identification tags and were categorized by gender and age group. 

Hunter and his family delivered the filled bags to the Vault Fostering Community where they will be stored and distributed to youth in need.

“Hunter and his supporters have gone above and beyond, and are among the many who make Boerne such a very special community,” said Boerne Mayor Mike Schultz of the Eagle’s accomplishment.

To thank the Scout for his dedication to the community, the mayor will meet with the aspiring Eagle to personally extend his appreciation for the hard work and incredible impact of his Eagle Scout project. 

Learn more about how this Scout’s Eagle project is making a difference to youth in his community by watching the video below and reading the full story from News 4 San Antonio.  

How This STEM Camp Is Capturing the Attention of Scouts in a Unique Way

STEM
Scouts build and program robots at Theodore Roosevelt Council’s STEM Center Camp held during spring break. (Photo credit: LongIsland.com)

Steering kids away from video games and television during spring break can be a challenge for any parent, yet for parents of Boy Scouts in the Theodore Roosevelt Council, keeping their sons’ minds engaged while school’s out was a breeze with tasks like building robots as an alternative to being a couch potato.

Scouts played their hand at being engineers for the day at the council’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Center Camp in Massapequa, N.Y., where they built and programmed robots.

“On the national level, the STEM program has become a priority of the Boy Scouts,” explains Theodore Roosevelt Council STEM Center & Workshop Director Dakota Oher to LongIsland.com. “As a result, at the local council level, we’ve fully embraced the program and are already seeing exceptional results and advancement opportunities, community relations and career development.”

The Theodore Roosevelt Council joins other councils across the country in welcoming a unique type of Scouting that brings STEM topics to life in exciting and fun ways for youth. The council’s recently opened STEM Center is just one of the incredible examples of how Scouts are being introduced to future career fields, while also keeping their minds productive, engaged and active today.

STEM1
Boy Scouts learn about engineering by constructing bridges made out of candy. (Photo credit: LongIsland.com)

“During spring break it is important for youth to keep their minds active and engaged,” adds Theodore Roosevelt Council Executive Jay Garee. “Our STEM Camp programs and activities offer Scouts a fun and unique way to interact with one another while learning important fundamentals about science, technology, engineering and math in everyday applications during spring recess.”

Catch the full story on how STEM programs are making waves in this community by reading the article on LongIsland.com.

Man Receives Eagle Scout Award After 51 Years

Alan Waters, left, and two other Life Scouts from West Virginia demonstrate firemaking using flint and steel at a Boy Scouts exhibit in the New York World’s Fair.
Alan Waters, left, and two other Life Scouts using flint and steel to make a fire at a Boy Scouts exhibit in the New York World’s Fair. (Courtesy photo via Charleston Gazette-Mail)

At 67 years old, Alan Waters of Morgantown, W.Va., can finally join the rare ranks of Scouting’s highest honor, an award earned by only six percent of Scouts today.

Fifty-one years ago, Waters completed all of the requirements to earn the award at age 16, yet his formal application was never submitted. Both he and his Scoutmaster moved before the documents were sent.

When Waters reached his eighteenth birthday, he thought he could no longer pursue Scouting’s highest rank and gave up his pursuit. Yet in 2014, he discovered he was wrong after meeting with Jeff Doty, Scout executive of the Mountaineer Area Council. Jeff explained to Alan how he could still receive the award after his eighteenth birthday, according to the Guide to Advancement 2015.

Waters needed proof from his Scoutmaster he completed the rank requirements, so he tracked down his old Scoutmaster who since moved to Panama City, Fla. Luckily for Waters, however, his old Scoutmaster was going to be in Morgantown for a wedding and was able to authenticate Waters’ Eagle Scout documents from 1965. With all of the required documents signed and perquisites fulfilled, Waters submitted a belated Eagle Scout application and it was accepted.

“It’s really fulfilling. I had always regretted not being able to pursue it at that time — a lot of it was out of my control,” Waters shared with the Charleston Gazette-Mail. “I always felt that I was an Eagle Scout, but I wasn’t on paper.”

Waters experienced a bevy of memorable moments throughout his childhood as a Scout. He performed with the Boy Scout Color Guard in the 1963 West Virginia Centennial Parade of Flags at the White House Rose Garden with President John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C. and later performed on the Capitol Steps in Washington, D.C.

Waters performed in the May 1963 West Virginia Centennial Parade of Flags at the Rose Garden in Washington, D.C.(Courtesy photo via Charleston Gazette-Mail).

“He’s lived his life as though he’s been an Eagle Scout all along,” Doty said. “His continued service through Rotary and other volunteer opportunities reflects that Alan always was an Eagle Scout, and always acted as though he was an Eagle Scout although he had never been presented the award. That’s why we’re very proud.”

Waters will be recognized at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony June 9 at the council’s annual recognition dinner.

Learn more about Alan’s story and journey to Eagle Scout by visiting the Charleston Gazette-Mail. For more information about belated Eagle requests, check out “Can You Get Eagle Scout After 18?” on Scouting Wire.

Scout Returns Chris Hemsworth’s Lost Wallet and Appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

ScoutMeetsThorIf you’ve seen Chris Hemsworth battle to the ends of the universe, feigning off evil with the swing of a hammer as Thor, you might think the guy can tackle any problem thrown his way. But what happens when the powerful Thor is faced with a predicament he can’t solve with a mythical hammer? Losing his wallet, perhaps? Everyday heroes like Eagle Scout Tristin Budzyn-Barker swoop in to save the day.

On a recent trip to California, Tristin found a wallet and was surprised to discover who the stranded wallet belonged to – none other than Chris Hemsworth.

“Mom, do you know who this is?” Tristin recalls saying. “We found Thor’s wallet.”

After some research, Tristin located the actor’s address and sent him a letter along with the wallet.

To Hemsworth’s surprise, the wallet was returned with all of his cash still inside. He shared the story with Ellen DeGeneres and had the Eagle on her talkshow to explain what happened.

“Obviously, you could’ve kept it,” DeGeneres said to Tristin. “There was money in there, right?”

Yet the Scout knew the right thing to do and doing so paid off in a huge way. To reward the Eagle for his kindness, Hemsworth not only gave him all the money inside his wallet, he gave him a little extra cash and a signed letter to the Eagle.

An Eagle since November 2015, Tristin of the Blackhawk Area Council explained to Chris and Ellen how he built shelters for horses for his Eagle Scout service project and then was stunned to receive one final surprise.

DeGeneres awarded Tristin $10,000 in cash from Shutterfly, along with a new wallet of his own.

Learn more about how Tristin’s good turn got him on television with Thor and Ellen DeGeneres by reading the Bryan on Scouting story and watching the video clip below.

Three Brothers Awarded the Eagle Scout Rank at Court of Honor Ceremony

Liam C. and his older brothers, Christopher and Kyle, stand before their friends and family to receive the Eagle Scout rank at the same Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony. (Photo credit: News 12 Brooklyn)

When not one, but three Scouts from the same family are awarded the Eagle Scout honor on the same night, it’s nothing short of extraordinary considering only six percent of Scouts earn the honor. Yet Liam C. and his brothers Christopher and Kyle are a rare trio of young men who defied the odds and joined a select group who have soared to Scouting’s highest rank.

“Throughout my years in Scouting I’ve learned invaluable life lessons, ranging from survival skills to building a shelter, building a fire, to just always remembering to Be Prepared because that’s the Scout Motto,” shared Liam C. with News 12 Brooklyn.

The 17-year-old has been following the Scout Motto since he was young and was the final brother to complete the requirements to achieving Eagle Scout, which includes a service project, board of review, and earning at least 21 merit badges.

Liam’s older brothers actually finished the requirements in years past, yet Christopher and Kyle decided to wait to be recognized at an official Court of Honor until all three brothers could stand side-by-side to receive the award together.

“When I got my Eagle, I figured ‘hey we could have a ceremony with two brothers, but then right behind me he [Liam] was moving quick. All we have to do is wait an extra year or two and he’d make it. So we decided to have an Eagle ceremony for three Eagles all in the same family,” explained Kyle.

The Court of Honor was not only a unique Scouting milestone for the brothers, but it was also a special occasion for the whole family. Their mom even played a ceremonial role during the celebration, personally presenting the awards to her sons on stage.

Learn more about how these three Eagles are keeping the Scouting tradition alive in their family by visiting News 12 Brooklyn for the full story. Watch the video below to hear what the Eagles have to say about their joint ceremony and what the occasion meant to their parents.

BrotherEagleScouts