Tackling the requirements to earn Scouting’s highest rank is no easy feat. The accomplishment is so rare, in fact, that only six percent of Scouts reach Eagle Scout. But seven Scouts from the Connecticut Yankee Council were up for the challenge, leaning on the strength of their friendship to make it happen.
Brennan B., Damian C., Aidan M, Ryan C., James T., Matt M., and Dan F. met in Cub Scouts when they were in the first grade, and they’ve stuck together in Scouting ever since.
Now, 10 years later, the Scouts have been awarded the Eagle Scout award together at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, Conn. They credit one another for reaching this pinnacle in Scouting.
“I feel honored and humbled,” said Damian C., senior patrol leader of their troop to the Fairfield Citizen. “Scouting has really taught me to serve my community and how to give back. Without them I wouldn’t be here. We’ve known each other since we were little.”
The Scouts’ longtime Scoutmaster has watched their friendships grow for years and delights in how much the boys have grown in the program.
“They’re a great group of kids,” said Scoutmaster Tom Black, “and I’m so glad they stuck with it. Scouting gives them independence, confidence, leadership and teamwork. You just don’t get that anywhere. It’s something they’re going to take with them the rest of their lives.”
Supporting Each Other in Scouting
“We’re all here today because of each other,” said Brennan B. “I’m feeling that bond, especially today,” he shared, preparing for his Eagle Court of Honor ceremony.
“It’s certainly helpful to have a group of guys keep you going if you get discouraged,” said Ryan. “I’d say that’s the most important thing, being there for each other.”
“We’ve always gotten along so well,” said Aidan, a junior assistant Scoutmaster. “We’ve gotten through all the challenges of Scouting together. We’re a really good group.”
To fulfill the Eagle Scout requirements, each Scout spearheaded unique charitable projects that demonstrate their leadership skills and benefit the community.
Matt and Aidan repaired bridges at the Connecticut Audubon Society. Also at the Audubon, James identified and repaired birdhouses along trails, while Dan built a heated birdcage vestibule system for winter survival. Ryan organized a food drive for Operation Hope. Tom constructed a retaining wall and designed landscaping at St. Ann’s Parish, while Damian raised funds to replace flooring at Daughters of the Most Precious Blood Mission.
Assistant Scoutmaster Dave Nobile echoes Scoutmaster Black’s sense of pride and appreciation in leading the boys to achieve Scouting’s highest rank.
“This is the greatest bunch of Scouts I’ve ever worked with,” said Nobile. “I’m very proud of them.”
To read the full story on this tight-knit group of Eagles, head to the Fairfield Citizen.
