Jake named the 2022 Baird Honor Scout Award

Scoutmaster Baird presents Jake with the 2022 James J. Baird
Honor Scout Award.

At the troop's Sunday, Aug. 28 Court of Honor, Life Scout Jake received the 2022 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the annual award is bestowed on the troop's “top Scout” based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader.

Annual Christmas Court of Honor pays tribute to several holiday troop traditions

The troop’s December Court of Honor invokes more than just Christmas-time visions of sugar plums dancing in the heads of Troop 50 Scouts. The annual holiday gathering of Scouts and their families also means visions of a toy drive for the area’s less-fortunate children, a spirited “Dirty Santa” gift exchange, and of course, the new ranks and merit badges Scouts have earned that are the hallmark of any court of honor gathering.

The troop gathered on Monday, Dec. 13 for that very purpose. Senior Patrol Leader Jake and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Olen opened the court of honor by welcoming Scouts and their families.

Before the awards portion of the program, Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Tullier welcomed Chattahoochee Council Scout Executive and CEO Juan Osario. In addition to outlining the council’s annual Friends of Scouting fundraising program, he honored Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams as a James E. West Fellow for Mr. Williams’ personal donation to the council’s endowment fund.

Olen (left) presents Will (right) with his Scout rank.

Jake and Olen then began presenting Scouts with their advancement recognitions, which included 15 merit badges and eight ranks, some of which were completed at the troop's Merit Badge Day on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the youth
oath of office for the newly elected leaders.

The December court of honor also marks the transition of youth leadership. As is the troop’s tradition, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird introduced Scouts elected during troop elections the previous week and administered the youth leader oath of office.

The troop’s youth leadership for the first half of 2022 include:

• Leadership Corps: Connor, senior patrol leader; Rhett, assistant senior patrol leader; Harrison M., lead troop guide; Tyson, lead instructor; Beck, troop quartermaster; Hunter, junior assistant scoutmaster
• Ice Knight Patrol: Harrison P., patrol leader; Jake, assistant patrol leader
• Savage Cabbage Patrol: James, patrol leader; Jackson, assistant patrol leader

Scoutmaster Baird paid tribute to Jake for his six-month term as the troop’s senior patrol leader by presenting him with the traditional handmade neckerchief slide denoting past senior patrol leaders. He also recognized the troop’s newest assistant scoutmaster, Jason DeBlanc, whose first campout with the troop was its November trip to the Andersonville National Historic Site.

Jake shows off the coveted senior patrol leader neckerchief slide,
handmade by Scoutmaster Baird.

The final item of the court of honor program was announcing Will as the troop’s 2021 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the annual award is bestowed on the troop's “top Scout” based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. Will is the first in Troop 50 to follow a sibling as an award recipient—his older brother, Camp, was the troop’s 2019 honoree.

Will receives the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award.

Dillon, finally assured he'd be able
to take a "Dirty Santa" gift home

As everyone enjoyed holiday treats and sweets, Scouts and leaders gathered around wrapped gifts for the troop’s customary “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. As with past years, gifts included numerous camping tools and gadgets like flashlights, pocket knives, and first-aid kits. It was the gifts with candy paired with fast-food gift cards that really made the rounds. Along those lines, the title of “Most Stolen From” went to Dillon, who had at least a half-dozen gifts taken from him during the festivities.

Giving gifts to one another wasn’t Scouts’ only focus. In honor of the Christmas season, and in keeping with the troop’s practice since its first Christmas court of honor in 2012, troop families donated toys that will be gifted to Auburn’s Department of Public Safety as part of its annual toy drive. Gifts included sports equipment, games and other outdoor recreational items. Scouts and leaders made the one-mile-round-trip trek from First Presbyterian Church to Auburn Fire Station No. 1 to present their donations and to get their picture with one of the city’s newest fire trucks.

Scouts and leaders after delivering their toy donations to Auburn Fire Station No. 1.

The court of honor and Christmas gathering represent the troop’s final events for 2021. The troop’s Patrol Leaders Council will hold its first meeting of the new year on Monday, Jan. 4, and the entire troop will meet on Monday, Jan. 11.

For more photos from the court of honor and party, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Summer efforts pay off for Scouts’ progress toward earning new merit badges, ranks

Troop 50 Scouts demonstrated at its post-summer court of honor on Sunday, Sept. 8 that attending summer camp and the troop’s monthly outings can pay off big. The court of honor, held at Auburn United Methodist Church, included 94 merit badges and 11 ranks Scouts earned since the troop’s last awards program court of honor in June — and an awesome ice cream bar with all the fixings provided by troop families.

James (right) receives six merit badges from Everett (right) as a result of his
summertime efforts, including Astronomy, Kayaking, Metalwork, Robotics,
Space Exploration and Wood Carving.

Senior Patrol Leader Everett and Assistant Patrol Leader Luke presided over the ceremony, along with Scoutmaster Andrew Baird. In addition to awarding new merit badges and ranks, the troop installed additional troop leaders appointed since the June court of honor, and officially presented its James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award.

Many of the merit badges Scouts earned included popular summertime topics like swimming, fishing, canoeing and lifesaving, as well as Eagle-required merit badges like the Citizenship series and Environment Science. However, this round of awards also included specialized-topic merit badges like Engineering, Metalwork, Chess, Energy, Theater, and Salesmanship — just to name a few.

Likewise, summer camp participation also helped a number of the troop’s newest Scouts progress in rank to Tenderfoot. The group also included a few Star and Life ranks, as well as an additional Eagle Scout palm.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the oath of office to (left to right) Joe, Camp, George and Rhett.

Following the presentation of advancement awards, Scoutmaster Baird recognized a few additional youth leaders who were appointed to positions since June. Those included the addition of two new junior assistant scoutmasters — Joe and Camp — who were scheduled for their Eagle Scout Boards of Review in September. The installation ceremony and oath of office also included the appointment of George and Rhett to Instructor in addition to Rhett’s continuing duties as the troop’s chaplain’s aide. Olen was later installed as the new troop Historian.

Camp shows off his James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award.

The final item on the court of honor’s agenda was officially recognizing Camp on his selection as the troop’s 2019 recipient of the James J. Baird Honor Scout Award. Camp was selected for the award in May, but due to a personal conflict, was unable to be presented with the honor at the troop’s June court of honor. Likewise, Scoutmaster Baird also presented him with a handmade neckerchief slide that has become the symbol of those who have served as senior patrol leaders. Camp served in the spring and his tenure concluded along with the June court of honor.

For more photos from the September court of honor, visit the troop’s online photo album.

June court of honor celebrates advancement, service

At its spring court of honor on Monday, June 10, Troop 50 celebrated the advancement success of its Scouts, which included 18 Scouts advancing in rank and 15 earning at least one merit badge since the troop’s December 2018 court of honor. The evening’s event also included the induction of new youth leaders and other individual recognitions.

Outgoing Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Hunter called the court of honor to order and led the group in the traditional opening of the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, Scout Law and Outdoor Code. Dinner, featuring a taco bar with all the fixings, followed.

Lead Troop Guide Joe congratulates Harris, one of the troop's newest members, on earning the Scout rank.

The court of honor program resumed after dinner with the presentation of ranks, which spanned the awarding of the Scout rank to several Scouts who recently crossed over from Webelos, to the Life rank. As Hunter announced Scouts to be recognized, outgoing Lead Troop Guide Joe handled the duties of distributing the ranks and congratulating Scouts on their accomplishments. Hunter and Joe continued in their duties as the troop bestowed a total of 29 Eagle-required and elective merit badges, as well as Firem’n Chit and Totin’ Chip awards.

The troop's newest slate of youth leaders accept the oath of office for their respective positions.

New Senior Patrol Leader Everett (right) and Assistant
Senior Patrol Leader Luke (left) proudly display their new
position patches.

At the troop’s June 3 meeting, Scouts elected a new slate of youth leaders for the second half of 2019. Scoutmaster Andrew Baird administered the oath of office to those Scouts, which included:

• Senior Patrol Leader: Everett
• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: Luke
• Lead Instructor: Trey
• Lead Troop Guide: Hunter
• Troop Quartermaster: Michael
• Assistant QM: Harrison M.
• Scribe: Conner
• Troop Bulger: Jason
• Troop Chaplain’s Aide: Rhett
• Pop Tart Turtles: Patrol Leader, Tyson; Assistant Patrol Leader, Gideon; Patrol QM, Harrison M.
• Radioactive Snowmen: Patrol Leader, Will; Assistant Patrol Leader, Connor; Patrol QM, Jake
• New Junior Assistant Scoutmaster: Camp

Scoutmaster Baird also presented the troop’s annual James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the award is bestowed on the troop's “top Scout” based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. This year’s honoree was outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Camp, who will be presented the award at the troop’s next court of honor since he was unable to be present due to previously scheduled travels.

Will (left) and Tyson (right)

The troop concluded the awards program with a variety of other recognitions, including the election of Tyson and Will to the Order of the Arrow at the troop’s June 3 meeting. The Order of the Arrow, or “OA” — also referred to as Scouting's National Honor Society — recognizes Scouts and leaders who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Arrowmen, as OA members are known, are regarded for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. Tyson and Will will be invited to attend an upcoming OA induction weekend, and after their successful participation, will become official OA members.

Scouting is a family affair for the Bairds:
Scoutmaster Andrew Baird and
Assistant Scoutmaster Davis Baird

Scoutmaster Baird also highlighted the service provided by several adult leaders. These included new assistant scoutmasters Matt Jordan and Joe Lovvorn. He also bestowed a special handmade neckerchief slide to his son Davis who, while a college student, has served as an assistant scoutmaster, especially during vital times when additional last-minute adult leadership was needed. Davis, an Eagle Scout, will be graduating from Auburn University soon and beginning his service in the U.S. Air Force.

Additional photos from the court of honor are available in the troop's online photo album.

The June 10 court of honor is the troop’s final Monday-night activity for the summer. It will resume its regular meeting schedule with a Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 5, and its next troop meeting on Monday, Aug. 12. In the meantime, Scouts and leaders will travel to Camp Rainey Mountain in Clayton, Georgia, for summer camp the week of June 23, followed by its annual “Chill at the Lake” family outing on Saturday, July 27.

Van Horn honored as troop's 19th Eagle Scout

On Saturday, Jan. 12, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Jacob Van Horn. He is the son of Eric and Rebecca Van Horn, currently residents of Opelika. Jacob is the troop’s 19th Eagle Scout since its founding in 2012.

Jacob’s ceremony, held at Auburn United Methodist Church, included family and friends in addition to his fellow Scouts and leaders. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Hunter welcomed everyone present and led the opening flag ceremony. Assistant Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Liam, Lead Troop Guide Joe, and Troop Quartermaster Everett participated in a candle-lighting narrative that reminded everyone in attendance of the meaning behind the colors of the American flag — followed by an opening prayer from family friend Paxton Brittle, and welcomes from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird and Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier.

Liam, Joe and Everett (left to right) light candles signifying the principles behind the colors of the American flag, which are also found in Eagle Scout badge.

An honor guard of Troop 50 Scouts led Jacob to the stage, where Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford led him in the reaffirmation of the principles of the Scout Oath. He then reminded Jacob of the obligations of being an Eagle Scout — namely, living with honor, loyalty, courage, service and vision.

Rebecca Van Horn pins Jacob with his Eagle Scout medal.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the Eagle Scout Charge to Jacob

Following this, Scoutmaster Baird administered the “Eagle Scout Charge,” officially marking Jacob as an Eagle Scout. Jacob’s mother, Rebecca, pinned his Eagle Scout medal on his uniform, and his father, Eric, presented him with an Eagle Scout neckerchief. In turn, Jacob presented his parents with lapel pins noting their new status as Eagle Scout parents. Along with receiving a framed Eagle Scout certificate from Mr. Baird, Jacob received from Mr. Tullier a certificate of membership in the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) — a gift from the troop.

Jacob closed the ceremony with some personal word of thanks, and special presentation of Eagle Scout mentor pins to those who played a special role in his progress toward earning Scouting’s highest rank. Those receiving mentor pins included Mr. Baird, Mr. Stanford, Andrea Holliday, Dan Strickland, Paxton Brittle, Kal Busman and Wes Fanning.

Jacob is presented the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award at the troop's
June 2018 court of honor.

Originally a member of Troop 158 in Tulahoma, Tennessee, Jacob joined Troop 50 in September 2016 after his family relocated to the Lee County area. During his tenure in Troop 50, he served as patrol leader, lead troop guide, senior patrol leader, junior assistant scoutmaster, and currently serves as an assistant scoutmaster. Through his Scouting participation, he earned 22 merit badges and was named one of co-recipients of the troop's 2018 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award . He was also elected for membership in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society, and now serves as the Chattahoochee Lodge’s camping promotions chairman.

Fellow Troop 50 Scouts assist Jacob with the final
touches on his Eagle Scout project at the troop's
annual planning retreat at Pioneer Park on April 20.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Jacob planned and led volunteers to reconstruct two new arbors in the garden area of Loachapoka’s Pioneer Park. Family, friends, and fellow Scouts and leaders logged more than 259 service hours planning and constructing the project. The new arbors, as well as new curb Jacob and volunteers replaced adjacent to the arbors enhance the experience and safety for visitors to the park’s garden.

After completing the Eagle Scout rank requirements, which included planning and executing his service project, Jacob appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Oct. 16, 2018. He is among the three Troop 50 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank during 2018.

Outside Scouting, Jacob volunteers by building sets and costumes for Auburn Area Community Theater productions. He plans to attend Auburn University this fall, where he will major in electrical engineering.

Jacob and his extended family at the conclusion of his Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Since the first Eagle Scout was awarded in 1912, nearly 2.5 million Boy Scouts have completed the Eagle Scout’s performance-based rank requirements, which currently include serving in progressive leadership positions, demonstrating outdoor and Scouting skill competencies, earning at least 21 merit badges, and planning and executing a seminal Eagle Scout leadership service project. During 2017 alone, 55,494 Boy Scouts earned Scouting’s highest rank.

For more photos from Jacob’s Eagle Scout ceremony, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Zuk honored as Troop 50’s 15th Eagle Scout

On Sunday, Aug. 12, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Nicholas Emil “Nick” van Zuk. He is the son of Rose-Marie Zuk and the late Dr. Gary Zuk of Auburn. At the time of his Eagle Scout Board of Review, Nick was the troop’s youngest Eagle Scout and its 15th since its founding in 2012.

Nick’s ceremony, held at Monarch Estates senior living and retirement community — the site of his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project — included many of his fellow Scouts and adult leaders who have been in Scouting with him since his days as a Cub Scout, and who have served with him in a variety of troop leadership positions. It also included his pastor, Rev. Msgr. William Skoneki of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, who offered the invocation.

After accepting the “Eagle Scout Charge” from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, Nick’s mother, Rose, the Eagle Scout medal on Nick and presented him with an Eagle Scout neckerchief slide. He in turn presented his mother with an Eagle Scout mother’s pin. Mr. Baird presented Nick with a framed Eagle Scout medal, noting that Nick was the first Eagle Scout in the troop to have enough merit badges at the time of his Eagle Scout Board of Review to receive all three Eagle Scout palms. Concluding the troop’s recognition was Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier, who acknowledged the troop’s gift of membership in the National Eagle Scout Association.

Also on hand for the ceremony was Ron Anders, Ward 2 councilman and mayor pro tem for the City of Auburn. On behalf of the city and Mayor Bill Ham, Mr. Anders congratulated Nick on his achievement and his example of leadership. In recognition of those achievements, Mr. Anders presented Nick with a proclamation declaring Aug. 12, 2018, as “Nicholas Emil van Zuk Eagle Scout Day.”

Nick honors the contributions of Mark Hankess, one of five individuals he presented with Eagle Scout mentor pins.

During Nick’s closing remarks, he acknowledged his fellow Scouts and the adult leaders who had supported his efforts to earn the Eagle Scout rank. As is customary, he singled out individuals who played a special role, presenting each with an Eagle Scout mentor pin. Among those were:

• Andrew Baird, his scoutmaster
• Rob Stanford, the troop’s committee chair who also served as his Eagle Scout project coach
• Jeff Sibley, a family friend who assisted Nick with his Eagle Scout project
• Mary Rainey, a long-time family friend and supporter of Nick’s Scouting efforts, who also has taught several of Nick’s homeschool classes
• Mark Hankess, a family friend who has been present through Nick’s life and has taught him life skills ranging from “how to fish, drive a boat and use a hammer.”

After earning Cub Scouting’s Arrow of Light as a Webelos Scout in Auburn's Pack 29, Nick joined Troop 11 before later transferring to Troop 50 in 2015. Since then, he has served as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, lead instructor, and currently junior assistant scoutmaster. Through his Scouting participation, he had earned 39 merit badges by the time of his ceremony, qualifying him for a bronze, gold, and silver Eagle Palm. He also has accrued more than 75 nights of camping, 100 hours of community service, 100 hiking and backpacking miles, and 20 paddling miles.

Nick receiving the 2017 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout
Award from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird at the
troop's August 2017 Court of Honor

Nick received the troop’s 2017 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award; was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society; served as a youth counselor at Camp Half Moon at Camp Frank G. Lumpkin; and earned the BSA Mile Swim Award. He completed National Youth Leadership Training, an intensive, six-day leadership development program, which provides Scouts with leadership skills and experience applicable to both Scouting and other situations demanding leadership.

Nick and fellow members of the June 2017
620-B Philmont Expedition.

In addition to various troop-related outings and campouts, in June 2017, Nick participated in a 12-day backpacking expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts’ largest national high-adventure base located in Cimarron, New Mexico. He also has participated in a seven-day sailing expedition at the Boy Scouts’ Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Nick designed and raised funds for a Veterans Memorial Garden at Monarch Estates retirement community in Auburn. Family, friends, and fellow Scouts and leaders logged more than 520 service hours planning and constructing the project. The garden provides residents with an accessible concrete pathway; four benches that convert to tables, which allow residents and visitors more places to socialize; two self-watering raised planters; a butterfly garden; and a fountain.

Nick's completed Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project at Monarch Estates.

After completing the Eagle Scout rank requirements, which included planning and executing his service project, Nick appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Sept. 19, 2017. He is among the four Troop 50 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank during 2017.

Currently, Nick is a ninth grader at Auburn Junior High School and is a member of the Auburn High School swim team. He and his family attend St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Auburn, where he is an altar server.

Since the first Eagle Scout was awarded in 1912, nearly 2.5 million Boy Scouts have completed the Eagle Scout’s performance-based rank requirements, which currently include serving in progressive leadership positions, demonstrating outdoor and Scouting skill competencies, earning at least 21 merit badges, and planning and executing a seminal Eagle Scout leadership service project. During 2017 alone, 55,494 Boy Scouts earned Scouting’s highest rank.

For more photos of Nick's ceremony and service project, visit the troop's online photo album.

...and they all scream for ice cream

Troop 50’s annual end-of-the-spring court of honor on Sunday, June 3, celebrated the scenes and flavors of summer as Scouts, leaders and families gathered at the Moore’s Mill Neighborhood Pool for an afternoon event that included an ice cream sundae bar and a dip in the pool. The event was not all play, as the troop had some serious business to attend to — namely, electing its summer/fall youth leaders and the recognizing several Scouts for their advancement efforts.

Scoutmaster Baird installs newly elected youth leaders, which included (left to right)
Patrol Leader Olen, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jason, and Senior Patrol Leader Joe.
Jacob, who is expected to complete his Eagle Scout Board of Review in the coming weeks,
was installed as a junior assistant scoutmaster.

Harrison was among the troop's newest Scouts who received
their Scout rank following their crossover from
Webelos to the troop in April.

First on the agenda were troop elections for senior patrol leader and patrol leaders. The slate of nominees included several long-serving and dedicated Scouts. Following campaign speeches by candidates and voting by the Scouts in attendance, the summer/fall cadre of elected leaders will include Joe, elected as senior patrol leader, and Camp and Olen, who were elected as patrol leaders. Additional appointments included Jason, who Joe selected as his assistant senior patrol leader. Also appointed as junior assistant scoutmasters were Liam, who was presented his Eagle Scout rank at a ceremony in May, and Jacob, who has completed his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project and is expected to pass his board of review this summer.

This court of honor cycle included 10 rank advancements (most of which were Scout ranks awarded to our newest Scouts) and 25 merit badges. It also include two Eagle Scout palms — a gold one for Louie and a silver one for Creighton.

Outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Rusty receives a neckerchief slide handmade by
Scoutmaster Baird, which has come to indicate the troop's past senior patrol leaders.

The final two items on the court of honor agenda included recognizing several Scouts for their exceptional achievement. This included outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Rusty, who Scoutmaster Andrew Baird presented with the traditional handmade neckerchief slide denoting those Scouts who have served in the troop’s top leadership position.

Jacob receives the Honor Scout Award from Scoutmaster Baird. This year's co-recipient, Creighton,
who was unable to be present for the court of honor, will receive his recognition at a later date.

By the end of the court of honor,
the ice cream bar had been
decimated.

Scoutmaster Baird also awarded this year’s Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award is bestowed annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. Competition for this year’s award was steep, resulting in unprecedented co-winners — former senior patrol leaders Jacob and Creighton.

The spring court of honor concludes the end of the troop’s regular school-year programming. Summer activities will include a contingent attending summer camp at Camp Daniel Boone in North Carolina, the troop’s annual “Chill at the Lake” summer family gathering, and the conclusion of the troop’s God and Life Protestant religious emblems program. The troop will resume its regular Monday-evening troop meetings on Monday, Aug. 6.

Additional photos from the troop's spring court of honor are available on the troop's online photo album.

Harris honored as troop's 14th Eagle Scout

New Eagle Scout Louie Harris with (left to right) brother and fellow Eagle Scout John, and parents Diane and Robert.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Robert Louis “Louie” Suess Harris. Louie appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Aug. 15, 2017. He is among the four Troop 50 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank in 2017, and the 16 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank since the troop’s founding in 2012.

Senior Patrol Leader Rusty calls the court of honor to order.

Louie’s ceremony, held at the Founder's Chapel of Auburn United Methodist Church, included many of his fellow Scouts with whom he has served in leadership positions since joining the troop in 2013 after earning Cub Scouting’s Arrow of Light. As a founding member of the troop, he has served in leadership positions that have included patrol leader and assistant patrol leader, troop guide, instructor, senior patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader, and his current role as junior assistant scoutmaster. The ceremony began with the traditional flag presentation (accompanied by a bugle call) and an opening prayer, followed by a ceremonial candle lighting by his fellow troop members, and welcomes from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird and Saugahatchee District representative Julie Hoff.

The reading by Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams of “100 Scouts” provided a poignant segue to a motivational speech by Will Herring. Herring, an Opelika native and friend of the Harris family, was an Auburn University football standout before an NFL career that included playing with the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams. He challenged Scouts and others in attendance to find something about which they can be passionate, and to devote their efforts on pursuing that passion and developing a strong work ethic.

Louie's mother pins his Eagle Scout medal to his uniform.

Louie pins a father's Eagle Scout recognition pin on his father.

As part of presenting Louie with the Eagle Scout rank recognitions, fellow Scouts outlined the challenge of being an Eagle Scout, and Scoutmaster Baird administered the official Eagle Scout Charge and Promise. His mother, Diane, presented him with his Eagle Scout medal, and father Robert and brother (and fellow Eagle Scout) John presented him with an Eagle Scout neckerchief slide. Because Louie had earned 26 merit badges at the time of his ceremony, he qualified for a bronze Eagle palm.

Mayor Pro Tem Ron Anders presents Louie with a
proclamation from the City of Auburn.

Following the presentation of his rank insignia and Eagle Scout mother and father pins to his parents, Louie also received membership in the National Eagle Scout Association as a gift from the troop. In addition to these recognitions, City of Auburn Mayor Pro Tem Ron Anders presented Louie with a proclamation declaring Jan. 20, 2018, as “Louie Harris Eagle Scout Day” in Auburn.

In concluding the ceremony, Louie expressed appreciation to those who had played roles in his development, education and advancement in Scouts. He honored several special individuals by presenting them with Eagle Scout mentor pins. Those included Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, Assistant Scoutmasters Wes Williams and JP Pendleton, Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier, Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford, his brother John Harris, Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve Outreach Administrator Jennifer Lolley (who supported his Eagle Scout leadership service project benefiting the Forest Ecology Preserve), and family friends Jack Robertson and Gaines Lanier, both of whom shared valuable cattle management and life skills with him.

New Eagle Scout Louie Harris with Spirit, Auburn University's bald eagle, and other Troop 50 Eagle Scouts.

The Harris family arranged for a special guest to be present following the court of honor. Spirit, the only bald eagle that has ever flown in Jordan-Hare Stadium, made an appearance at the ceremony. Now under the care of the Southeastern Raptor Center, Spirit was discovered as an injured fledgling in Florida in 1995 and came to Auburn in 1998 to join the Raptor Center’s educational collection. His damaged beak makes him non-releasable. Spirit’s first pre-game flight in Jordan-Hare Stadium was in 2001. Bald eagles like Spirit are found throughout Alabama, and wild ones can sometimes be seen soaring in the skies above Auburn.

Louie (black hoodie) and the rest of Expedition 620-B atop Philmont's Mt. Baldy in June 2017.

To date, Louie’s Scouting participation has included accruing 81 nights of camping, 130 hours of community service, and 81 hiking and backpacking miles. He received the troop’s 2016 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award, earned the BSA Mile Swim Award, and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society. In addition, he completed the Boy Scouts’ National Youth LeadershipTraining, a six-day course equipping Scouts with leadership skills and experience applicable to both Scouting and personal situations. Among his other Scouting activities is participating in a 12-day backpacking expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts’ largest national high-adventure base located in Cimarron, New Mexico, in June 2017.

The finished product of Louie's Eagle Scout leadership service project at the Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Louie and volunteers constructed three arbor swings for the nature playground at the Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve in Auburn. These swings provide a place for parents and visitors to sit and relax comfortably while watching their children play. His project accrued 353 volunteer hours from planning to completion, including the 84 hours he spent personally planning, leading and supervising the various stages of the project. Louie received contributions and support for the project from an Auburn University Concession Board grant, the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, the Lee County Soil and Water Conservation Committee, Russell Building Supply, Garden of Eden Landscaping, and family and friends.

Outside of his Scouting involvement, Louie currently is a 10th grader at Auburn High School, where he plays trombone in the symphonic band and is a member of the Junior Honor Society. He and his family attend Opelika United Methodist Church.

Since the first Eagle Scout was awarded in 1912, more than 2.4 million Boy Scouts have completed the Eagle Scout’s performance-based rank requirements, which currently include serving in progressive leadership positions, demonstrating outdoor and Scouting skill competencies, earning at least 21 merit badges, and planning and executing a seminal Eagle Scout leadership service project. During 2016 alone, 55,186 Boy Scouts earned Scouting’s highest rank.

For more photos from Louie’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor and Eagle Scout leadership service project, visit the troop’s online photo album.

Court of honor celebrates summer achievements, activities

Summer 2017 was a busy time for Scouts and leaders of Troop 50, evidenced by the wide array of accomplishments recognized at the troop's post-summer court of honor on Monday, Aug. 28. In addition to presenting Scouts with their recently earned merit badges and ranks, the troop celebrated many of the other events and achievements that marked our Scouts' summer experiences.

Summer Camp and Advancement

Senior Patrol Leader Jacob presents Trey with the merit badges he earned at summer camp,
which included Archery, Chess, Citizenship in the World, Environmental Science and Geology.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird recognizes Samuel
as the troop's newest member.

Thanks to Scouts' hard work, the troop awarded 62 merit badges at the court of honor — the majority of which were earned by Scouts attending summer camp in June at Camp Sequoyah in north Alabama.

Geology and Archery merit badges were by far the most popular, with many of the Eagle-required merit badges like Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the World also being among those presented.

Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Crew 620-B, comprised primarily of Troop 50 Scouts and leaders.

Between June 17 to July 2, members of Boy Scout Troop 50, comprising the majority of Philmont Crew 620-B, set out on a two-week excursion traveling to and backpacking the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's largest national high adventure base, located in Cimarron, New Mexico. Check out photos and tweets from the excursion on the troop's blog and Twitter account.

National Boy Scout Jamboree

Troop 50, represented by Creighton, Rusty, Trey, Liam and Wes Williams, were among the other Scouts and leaders from Saugahatchee District who attended the National Jamboree.

Seventeen Scouts and leaders from the Auburn/Opelika area — including Creighton, Rusty, Trey, Liam and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams — attended the 19th National Boy Scout Jamboree, held from July 19 to July 28 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. They were among the 68 scouts and leaders divided between two jamboree troops representing the Chattahoochee Council. More than 30,000 Scouts and leaders attended the national gathering, which is hosted every four years at the Summit Bechtel Reserve by the Boy Scouts of America.

Order of the Arrow elections

The troop's newest members of the Order of the Arrow (front row, left to right): Joe, Trey and Michael;
(back row) Paul, Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg, Josh, Rusty and Creighton.

Following the Order of the Arrow election held at the troop's spring court of honor, newly elected OA candidates were recognized, or "called out," in a variety of locations as being elected for Scouting's National Honor Society. During the weekend of Aug. 4-6, the elected Scouts, along with Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg, who had been selected for OA membership by the troop committee, participated in the Order of the Arrow's summer induction weekend, called an Ordeal, at Camp Frank G. Lumpkin in LaGrange. Read more about their OA experience on the troop's blog.

Troop Elections

Scoutmaster Baird administers the oath of office to
Armored Armadillos Assistant Patrol Leader Everett (left) and
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Nicky (right).

Also at the troop's spring court of honor, the troop held elections for youth leaders who will serve in troop positions through the remainder of the calendar year. Nicky, who was unable to attend the spring court of honor, was sworn in as the troop's newest assistant senior patrol leader. Following the June election, Everett was selected as assistant patrol leader of the Armored Armadillos Patrol, and he too was sworn in at the court of honor.

James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award

Nicky receives the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award from Scoutmaster Baird

The summer court of honor also allowed the troop to honor its most recent recipient of the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award, Nicky, who was unable to attend the spring court of honor when this year's honoree was announced. First presented in 2015, this award is given annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader.

Additional photos from the troop's summer court of honor are available on the troop's online photo album.