Eagle Scout
Proud Eagle Scout of Troop 400 Ivyland PA. I have been involved in the Scouting program for just about as long as I can remember. Ever since I was young I joined Cub Scouts which provided me with an insightful outlook on all the benefits and enjoyable opportunities that Boy Scouts has to offer. At the age of 11 I participated in a ceremony in which I would transition from a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout. This transition was a big step in my self development because it gave me the chance to make my own decisions. During the ceremony I received the Russ Jones award which was honored to the one individual who consistently displayed the ideals of scouting. This was such a memorable moment for me because it showed me that at the age of 11, adults are looking at me as a respectful individual.
When I moved on to Boy Scouts I excelled in every aspect of activities, ranks, and leadership positions. While I was the youngest among my peers, I proved to be a valuable assets because I was able to mature quickly and act as properly as possible. When the time was right I ran for the position of Senior Patrol Leader, the highest position one can hold within the troop. Without any vote necessary every member of the troop, including the adult leaders, was pleased to have me lead. Throughout this year I orchestrated numerous weekend trips, day trips, events, weekly meetings, and ceremonies. This was no easy task to do alone, but with the help of peers and parents I learned valuable skills in planning, organization, and responsibility.
I am thankful for my parents who have been my greatest supporters. By this I mean that they were always by my side for motivation, guidance, and help. But most importantly, they did not enforce me to do anything I that didn’t want to do. They did not push me to be involved in Boy Scouts, I could have dropped out anytime I wanted too. Because they stepped back and allowed me to make my own decisions I was able to excel beyond any obstacles in my way. I was an individual who was respected by so many because I choose to be great.
Within Troop 400 I have earned the Scouter award twice, which is presented biannual to the scout who represents professional leadership qualities, helpfulness and overall exceptional performance Currently, I am the only member of the troop to have received this award twice. Most importantly I have been honored with the rank of Eagle Scout. The up-most achievement of any scout. At the age of 15 I earned this rank, becoming the youngest Eagle Scout in my troop, and distinguishing myself as a “natural born leader.”
My Eagle Scout project which I developed, planned, organized, and carried out was the reconstruction of a trail at Tamanend Park in Warminster, PA. From the very beginning I thought up this project, got approval from the park rangers, and planned how it would all work out. So over the period of about six months I did a little research, met with the park rangers, and developed a portfolio of my project. Then I had to present this to my peers, adult leaders, and eventually a corporate board panel for final approval. After months of planning I was able to gather about 50 people, friends/family/ adult leaders/ friends of friends, to join me on Saturday morning. It was such a great experience that taught me lessons on planning, public speaking, writing, leadership, and so much more.
Boy Scouts taught me many of the skills that I am now experiencing in the business world. Thankfully, I have this past experience to prepare me for the future.