Most people spend their spare time participating in a hobby. Some choose domestic tasks such as knitting, sewing, crocheting, while others choose sports, racing, fishing and many other activities. However, brothers Doug, ’10, and Frank Daniel, ’11, spend their spare time learning life skills by participating in the Eagle Scout program.
In order to achieve the Eagle Scout title, participants must earn 21 merit badges in categories such as camping, first aid and family life. In addition to earning these badges, potential Eagle Scouts also work toward a series of goals called the “Aims of Scouting.” These objectives include character development, citizenship training and personal fitness.
According to the Daniels, the process of becoming an Eagle Scout is enriching and full of learning experiences.
“In the process of becoming an Eagle Scout there is a series of ranks,” Doug said. “You have to get through all of the ranks and later get merit badges. You are required to learn skills like swimming and first aid. Crucial merits are required to be an Eagle. The whole process has to be completed before turning 18; I finished at 17.”
In addition to earning the required badges, prospective Eagle Scouts must be evaluated by a board of review.
“Before you become an Eagle Scout, they interview to make sure you’ve passed,” Doug said. “They ask questions like ‘What does scouting mean to you? What do you intend to do knowing that you represent Eagle Scouts?’ They also interview people you know; Mr. [Mike] Fenton was interviewed at my review.”
For Doug, the Eagle Scout program has been a place to grow and gather skills that apply to everyday life.
“It helps me grow in leadership and maturity,” Doug said. “When you’re working with a group of other guys, you have to handle things with maturity; this really helped me to grow up. I also gained a lot of life skills; if someone had a heart attack, I should know what to do. With the skills I learned in Eagle Scouts, I could potentially save people’s lives.”
Despite his usual dedication and love of the program, Doug says winter campouts posed a problem for him.
“Klondike in the snow was a difficult and embarrassing experience for me,” Doug said. “Every year except for the last one I’d get sick and cold. I always wanted a good year but it kept happening every year, over and over again.”
Frank says the honor that comes with becoming an Eagle Scout helped motivate him to complete the program.
“I decided to do boy scouts because it’s a huge honor once you make it to Eagle Scout,” Frank said. “It also looks really good on college applications: it shows that you have the dedication to follow through with things you start.”
The process of becoming an Eagle Scout also includes community service opportunities.
“In order to become an Eagle Scout, you have to do a service project that benefits your community,” Frank said. “I built a play fort for the children at the Fresno Rescue Mission family shelter. After visiting it on a mission trip in junior high, I felt compelled to help them out.”
Like Frank, sophomore Chris Weddington has used Eagle Scouts as an opportunity to serve his community.
“It has also taught me how to serve the community,” Weddington said. “It has taught me a lot of new ways, such as picking up trash, helping out at schools and clearing fire lanes in the mountains.”
The Daniels’ scoutmaster, Michael Robbins, says scouting provides an opportunity for young men to build character.
“Scouts have a good understanding of opportunities and challenges in their lives,” Robbins said. “Going to summer and winter camp builds character in young men. They learn how to plan, execute and run outings in the wilderness, as well as complete an Eagle Project for the benefit of the community.”
In addition to teaching life skills, Robbins says the program builds character.
“I consider efforts in scouting worth my time,” Robbins said. “I would rather be with a group of scouts in an emergency than with any other trained youth leaders.”
For more information on Eagle Scout programs, visit Scouting.org.
