Eagle Scouts, Girl Scouts and all Things Scout-like

This year two EMHS students became Eagle Scouts. Senior Clark Driver (left, with Amy Leap) and Junior Colin Green both received the highest rank available from the Boy Scouts. The scout level system goes Cub Scout, Webelos Scout, and finally Boy Scout. In the Boy Scouts though there are more ranks to be achieved. The order is Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and the best of all being the Eagle Scout. Boy Scouts must work exceptionally hard to become an Eagle Scout. Scouts must organize a large project and have over 100 hours of volunteer work. The volunteer project is one of the most grueling tasks for becoming an Eagle. Other requirements include getting 13 required merit badges and an additional 8 badges. The Scouts must exhibit leadership, participation and must be part of the Scout Master Conference.

Clark has been part of the Scouts since he was 6 years old. He said that the process “took a ton of work,” but was a great experience. His father was an Eagle Scout so he was following in his father’s footsteps. He actually received 28 merit badges in his scouting. For his large volunteer project he helped build a water garden for Camp Still Meadows. He also helped with their landscaping. One of the hardest parts is that the whole project must be organized solely by the scout. The water garden cost over 2000 dollars. While the project was a lot of work in Clark’s opinion it was well worth it. He is still scouting and will continue to work with the Scouts program.

Colin (pictured right) also received the award. He started as a Cub Scout in kindergarten. In many aspects his process was much like that of Clark’s. They both received the merit badges, but their projects differed. Colin worked on creating and landscaping a garden behind his church. His experience was excellent and he has enjoyed the Scouts greatly.

Amy Leap has worked with the Girl Scouts and received the highest honors possible as a Senior. The Girl Scouts are an organization for girls of all ages. They emphasize service and working with the environment, much like the Boy Scouts. Amy has been with the Scouts for 10 years now. The levels in Girl Scouts are Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadet and Senior. She is a Senior and part of the Adventurers. She has received a career exploration pin, a senior leadership pin and numerous other badges along the way. One of her crowning achievements was the Golden Award. She received the award last year for designing and implementing a three and a half week long camp for children at Camp Massanetta about Native Americans. She also did many side projects.

- Freeman Bendfeldt