Eagle Scouts saluted as scouting prepares for girls
Submitted by Brett Fisher on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 9:10am
Fifty-four Nevada Area Council Eagle Scouts were honored recently at the Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner by Scouting’s Chief Scout Executive, Michael Surbaugh, the council’s newest Distinguished Eagle Scout, UNR President, Dr. Marc Johnson, and Scouters from throughout Northern Nevada and Northeastern California.
The evening’s theme was "Leadership and Character." The pursuit of these qualities are driving the nation’s young to youth service organizations and the Boy Scouts of America, in particular, according to Mike Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive of Boy Scouts of America.
Surbaugh was the keynote speaker on hand to meet the Council’s Eagle Scout Classes of 2017 and 2018 numbering 218 (and counting).
“What you guys achieved in earning that Eagle Rank is the start of a lifetime journey, it’s the start of your service, it’s the start of how people will look at you just a little bit differently," Surbaugh shared.
Surbaugh’s remarks reinforced how for decades, Scouting has been an unofficial family event. Now, the whole family will be included.
More than 63,000 girls have registered for Cub Scouting, the BSA’s program for younger children. Surbaugh reported that the huge early enrollment numbers have exceeded expectations.
And that the one surprise with the girl Cub Scout enrollments is that brothers, not wanting to miss out, are following them into packs.
And more girls and young women are expected to join the older youth program now designated as “Scouts BSA” when registration opens Feb. 1, 2019.
Another highlight of the evening was the introduction of Venture Crew 154 member Sophie Schler, 17.
“I have enjoyed many Scouting activities and been able to provide leadership and I am very interested in achieving the highest rank in Scouting," she said. "Nothing would make me happier than becoming the first female Eagle Scout in Northern Nevada.”
Summarizing the evening, University of Nevada, Reno, President and Distinguished Eagle Scout, Dr. Marc Johnson, issued a challenge to the new Eagles:
"Promote Civility, Leadership, and Achievement," he said.
Johnson told all to remember the Scout Oath and the Scout Law with their words of "Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, and Kind."
"An individual who is an Eagle has committed himself to the Scout Law and must contribute to the civility of this nation," he said. "Remember the Scout Motto: Be Prepared. Get as much education, training or experience as is necessary to really have a strong foundation to lead and achieve in your careers and your civic responsibilities."
The evening concluded with the awarding of a $1,000 college scholarship to Jacob Steimle of Troop 445 in Reno.
Follow the Nevada Area Council BSA on Facebook and Twitter @NevadaAreaBSA, or call 775-787-1111 for more information.
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