100 Years of the Eagle...

History of the First Eagle Scout (quoted from National Eagle Scout Association: nesa.org)

"Scout Arthur Rose Eldred, was a member of Troop 1 in Oceanside, New York, a troop his brother Hubert had founded in November 1910. The younger Eldred earned his 21st merit badge in April 1912 at the age of 16. All that remained was an appearance before a board of review (then called a court of honor).

Since there were no provisions for local reviews in those early days, Eldred was examined by perhaps the most exalted and intimidating board of review in Scouting history: Chief Scout Executive James E. West, Chief Scout Ernest Thompson Seton, National Scout Commissioner Daniel Carter Beard (another BSA founder), and Wilbert E. Longfellow of the U.S. Volunteer Life Saving Corps.

Eldred survived his high-powered grilling. On August 21, 1912, West notified him that he was the BSA’s first Eagle Scout. However, he would have to wait until Labor Day to receive his badge because the dies for making the metal badge hadn’t been created yet."

This is why we look forward to celebrating the Eagle Court of Honor for Isaiah Springer on Labor Day Weekend to mark this 100 years celebration of the highest achievement within Boy Scouts: the rank of Eagle Scout!

Eagle Board of Review

Having to rush back from Summer Camp at Wallwood in Quincy, FL, Isaiah had to quickly prepare for one of the biggest interviews he has experienced in his young life.

The Board of Review consisted of 5 Boy Scout officials who questioned Isaiah about both his eagle scout requirements as well as his service and leadership within Scouting and the community. He tried to lighten the mood of the room when asked who was the oldest scout to help with his service project, he replied Vince D'Amico (which is one of the Asst. Scoutmasters as well as involved at the Council level).

After reviewing in private his letters of recommendations and voting, they called Isaiah, his mentor Asst. Scoutmaster Kimberly Parker, his parents and siblings into the room to hear their decision. He was told if anyone asks you when you officially earned the rank of Eagle Scout, you tell them at 8:46 pm on Tuesday, June 19th... Congratulations, Isaiah!

Flag Day Eagle Scout Service Project Dedication Ceremony

Isaiah wanted to have a way to acknowledge the sponsors and volunteers properly, so he decided to plan a dedication ceremony for the service project on Flag Day, June 14, 2012.

He had gained public speaking experience through the communications merit badge and hosting a court of honor at Troop 117, so he felt comfortable in "MC"ing the event in front of two local news channels and all of those sponsors, volunteers, and other YMCA members and board members.

I don't think I could do that at my age much less at 13! He did a great job and it was such a beautiful ceremony.

The attached video was done by a YMCA board member. You can also see other footage on the video bar on this blog.

Before and After

What a facelift!!!

I've Been Working on the Railroad Ties - Service Project Work Day

How often do you get to order your own dad around... Apparently when you are completing your Eagle Scout Service Project! Isaiah led a group of over 20 volunteers to complete a renovation/beautification project at the Capital Region YMCA.

The projects consisted of renovating the flagpole area with a veteran’s bench and memorial garden. This will allow people a place to honor our majestic flag and US veterans. It included building another set of raised beds for the community garden and a picnic table area. The garden will benefit youth on how to plant fruits and vegetables and have a healthy lifestyle as well as the YMCA community as a whole. It also provides an eating area for the monthly members' social. Finally, a new mailbox was installed and a railroad tie border was added to prevent erosion and designate the parking area.

Volunteers for the project work day were: Vince D'Amico, David Derouin, Jarod Findley, Mike Hoffman, Kathy McWilliams, Mathew Mello, Michael Mello, Jonathan Mortensen, Michael Parker, Will Parker, David Rountree, Travis Rountree, Larry Shimansky, Tracy Shimansky, Amy Springer, Gabriel Springer, Michael Springer, Duncan Weaver, Evan Wingate, Tim Wingate, Cameron Wolf, and Frank Wolf.

These volunteers worked so hard on these renovations sharing the gift of their time and talents.

And the donations came rolling in...

During the American Legion's monthly social in March, Isaiah came and addressed the group of US veterans to see if they would be willing to support his project with a donation toward the flagpole renovation and veteran's bench and garden.

After he read through his donation letter request and answered a few questions, the Commander Val Frailey (pictured above) called on members to pas a basket around for donations. Isaiah was very hopeful because from his estimate he would need $646 for the entire project. He was completely blown away when they finished counting the money and informed him that the members' donations was $154. But it didn't stop there, the Legion had decided to write a check for $499 to support his project as well.

The financial support of the American Legion members was humbling knowing that these individuals have sacrificed so much for our country and continue to be so generous with their time, talent, and treasure.  

Other generous corporate donations were received from the following: Costco, Store #1026; Lowe’s, Store #0417; May Day Landscape Supply; Porter Paints, Store #9173; Publix; and Sam’s Club, Store #8120.

Life to Eagle... What a Path!

This was Isaiah before he left for Winter Camp 2011. He had already began meeting with his Eagle Mentor Asst. Scoutmaster Kimberly Parker to get through the slew of paperwork that is required for the new Eagle Scout Workbook.

He and his dad attended a Life to Eagle Seminar at the Winter Camp. It provided enough information for him to muddle his way through the process. I am amazed at all that they require for this rank of Eagle. There are so many aspects: researching prices, products, talking with experts, fundraising, planning and executing. What great life lessons Scouting provides!

I have to admit, I was not big on him joining Scouts at first. After all, I had no brothers or any concept of what impact Scouting can have on a young man's life. I am fully convinced that Scouting provides experiences that help boys develop into men with character and a heart for service and leadership.