Troop celebrates Thurow as its 26th Eagle Scout

This spring, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Hunter Thurow. He is the son of Brian and Jennifer Thurow of Auburn. Thurow is the troop’s 26th Eagle Scout since its founding in 2012. His Eagle Scout ceremony was held on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Auburn United Methodist Church.

Hunter (right) and Miles (left)
accept the "Eagle Scout Charge" and make the
"Eagle Scout Promise."

Hunter’s Eagle Scout ceremony, held at Auburn United Methodist Church was a joint ceremony also honoring Miles Ballard, the troop’s 25th Eagle Scout. The two have been longtime friends both in and outside Scouting. The ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 20 included fellow Scouts, leaders, family and friends. Senior Patrol Leader Connor oversaw the presentation of colors, followed by welcomes from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird. The ceremony included a reading of the “Trail to Eagle” by Miles’ grandfather, John Ballard, as well as the “Eagle Scout Challenge” by fellow Scouts that reminded everyone of the symbolism behind the colors of the Eagle Scout badge, the significance of the Scout Oath and Law in our daily lives, as well as the foundation they have and will provide Hunter.

Scoutmaster Baird oversaw the official presentation of the Eagle Scout rank to Hunter. This included administering the “Eagle Scout Charge” and the “Eagle Scout Promise.” Hunter’s parents joined in the presentation of the insignia marking his achievement of the Eagle Scout rank, and Hunter in turn presented both of his parents with Eagle Scout mother’s and father’s pins. On behalf of the troop, Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford presented Hunter with membership in the National Eagle Scout Association — a tradition dating back to the troop’s first Eagle Scout in 2013.

Hunter with some of his Eagle Scout mentors (left to right): project coach and
Assistant Scoutmaster J.P. Pendleton, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, and
Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford

Following tradition, Hunter recognized several special leaders and adults with Eagle Scout mentor pins, which signify the special roles they played in his advancement efforts and in completing his Eagle Scout leadership service project. These mentors included former Assistant Scoutmaster and Cub Scout Pack 29 leader Clyde Wikle; assistant scoutmasters Michael Tullier and Wes Williams; Eagle Scout leadership service project coach J.P. Pendleton; Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford; Scoutmaster Andrew Baird; and his parents Brian and Jen Thurow.

Hunter surrounded by his family following the Eagle Scout ceremony.

Hunter's grandfather, C.T. Thurow, concluded the Eagles Scout ceremony with a closing prayer.

Hunter's "Trail to Eagle"

Hunter joined Troop 50 in April 2015 after earning the Webelos Rank and Arrow of Light in Cub Scout Pack 29, charted by Auburn United Methodist Church. During his tenure in Troop 50, he has served in several leadership positions including instructor, patrol leader, lead troop guide, and assistant senior patrol leader. He earned 26 merit badges, which also later qualified him for a Bronze Palm. During his tenure in Troop 50, he accrued 61 nights of camping, 78 service hours (outside his own Eagle Scout leadership service project), 82 hiking miles and eight paddling miles. In August 2021, he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Hunter planned and led volunteers to enhance and refurbish the nature trail at Yarbrough Elementary School, where he was a student. In addition to improving the trail bed itself, the project encompassed restoring and replacing species-identification markers for trees on the trail. Family, friends, and fellow Scouts and leaders logged around 90 service hours planning and carrying out the project.

After completing the Eagle Scout rank requirements, which included planning and executing his service project, Hunter appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Sept. 12, 2021. He is among four Troop 50 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank during 2021.

Hunter graduated in May from Auburn High School. He begins his studies at Auburn University during the Fall 2022 semester.

About the Eagle Scout Rank

Since the first Eagle Scout was awarded in 1912, more than 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.

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

Troop kicks off new Scouting year with ‘what-we-did-this-summer’ presentations

Troop 50 gathered at its outdoor meeting location at the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest on Aug. 23 for its first Monday night meeting of the 2021-22 Scouting year. Updates on how troop members spent the summer in various Scouting activities were the highlight of the evening. 

The majority of the troop attended summer camp at Camp Sequoyah in Delta, Alabama. Among the troop’s frequent summer camping destinations, the camp is a program of Birmingham-based Greater Alabama Council. Summer camp experiences are vital to Scout’s efforts to advance in rank, acquire overnight camping experience, and bond as a troop.

Acting Senior Patrol Leader Beck shows off some of the awards the troop earned at Camp Sequoyah.

Acting Senior Patrol Leader Beck led the troop’s summer camp contingent and summarized the weeklong experience for the troop. Among the troop’s accolades at camp was the first-place Campsite Inspection Award and the Commissioner’s Spirit Award. The troop also placed second in the camp’s water carnival. The Friday afternoon camp-wide waterfront competition pits troops against one another through events that include the Water Spaniel Special, Swim by Weight, In and Out Canoe Race, Life 36 Jacket Relay, Pool Noodle Race, Canoe Tug of War, and Scoutmaster Belly-Flop.

Individually, Scouts made progress toward earning merit badges, which will also factor into their upcoming advancement in rank. In addition to Eagle-required merit badges, activities like rappelling, shotgun shooting, and archery were among the most popular for Troop 50 Scouts.

The troop will celebrate those at its upcoming court of honor program. Visit the troop’s online photo album for photos from Camp Sequoyah.

Jake (far left) describes some of the packing strategies the Northern Tier crew relied on
on leading up to their departure during the presentation he, Rhett and Assistant Scoutmaster
Christian Dagg made during the Aug. 23 troop meeting.

Assistant Scoutmasters Christian Dagg and Matt Podemski and Scouts Jake and Rhett summarized their trip to the Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Canoe Base — the flagship base for Northern Tier based in Ely, Minnesota.

The troop spent three days on the road, covering more than 2,700 miles and sightseeing along the way. Road stops included the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Cedar Rock home in Carlton, Minnesota.

The crew spent seven days and six nights canoeing Northern Tier — covering 60 miles of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, by canoe. The trip was more than a physical exercise of endurance and perseverance. It required Scouts to forecast personal equipment needs and pack as a team to meet the challenges ahead. The group recounted early mornings hitting the water — and calling it a day and seeking the refuge of their tents by 8 p.m. before infamous Northern Tier mosquitos appeared.

The troop's eight newest members of the Order of the Arrow, following the
Chattahoochee Lodge Ordeal weekend Aug. 6-8.

In August, eight Troop 50 Scouts were inducted into the Order of the Arrow after participating in the Aug. 6-8 Chattahoochee Lodge Ordeal weekend. Read more about their experience and the Order of the Arrow organization on the troop blog.

Eight from Troop 50 inducted into the Order of the Arrow

For more than 100 years, the Order of the Arrow, or "OA" — also referred to as Scouting's National Honor Society — has recognized Scouts and leaders who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Arrowmen, as members of the Order of the Arrow are known, are regarded for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service in their troops and beyond.

Order of the Arrow activities occur through a lodge, which is affiliated with a local Scouting council. Scouts elected for Order of the Arrow membership participate in an “Ordeal” weekend, where candidates for membership participate in reflective experiences around leadership and cheerfully complete service projects alongside OA members. This year’s class of Order of the Arrow inductees included eight Troop 50 Scouts who attended the Chattahoochee Lodge’s induction weekend Aug 6-8 at Camp Frank G. Lumpkin in LaGrange.

Pictured above, they were (left to right) Harrison, James, David, Harrison, Jake, Hunter, Connor and Rhett.

Those elected for OA membership are typically informed of their selection during a “callout ceremony” in a summer camp setting. The ceremony, like all Order of the Arrow activities, center around the organization’s preservation of Native American traditions and heritage. Many of the troop’s candidates elected at the troop’s spring court of honor participate in a callout ceremony at Camp Sequoyah. Others learned of their pending OA membership as part of their Northern Tier High Adventure trek.

The Order of the Arrow is a co-ed organization and includes youth and adults from Scouting, Venturing and Sea Scout units. From local lodges to national leadership positions, the OA is considered a youth-led, adult-advised organization. Therefore, youth members must be under the age of 21 to be elected. Scouts must be at least First Class in rank; have at least 15 nights of Scout camping, including one, but no more than one, long-term camping experience consisting of at least five consecutive nights of overnight camping (usually a summer camp); and receive an affirmative vote of a majority of their unit peers (including Scouts who aren’t OA members). Adults (age 21 or older) who meet the camping requirements may be nominated by the troop committee.

Court of Honor celebrates productive spring, active summer calendar

On Monday, June 7, Troop 50 families gathered at Auburn University’s Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest to celebrate Scouts’ advancement efforts during the spring. The troop’s spring court of honor also marked the transfer of responsibility to a new group of youth leaders who will serve in leadership roles during the second half of the year.

The court of honor was the last troop function Will presided over as senior patrol leader. He welcomed families and led a traditional opening that included the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Law, and a prayer. Assisted by Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jake, he also presented advancements earned by Scouts in the spring — which included eight ranks and 20 merit badges.

Senior Patrol Leader Will (left) congratulations Thomas on the merit badges he earned this spring.

After a series of uncontested troop elections, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird installed the troop’s summer/fall youth leadership. Among those serving the troop will be Jake, senior patrol leader; Olen, assistant senior patrol leader; Connor, troop quartermaster; Rhett, troop guide; and outgoing senior patrol leader Will, who will serve as troop instructor.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird leads the troop's newest youth leaders in the oath of office.
They include (right to left): Rhett, troop guide; Will, troop instructor; Jake, senior patrol leader;
Connor, troop quartermaster; Beck, Gladiators patrol leader; and Johnson, Wizard Lizards patrol leader.

Continuing its tradition, the troop also celebrated Will’s service as senior patrol leader during the spring. Scoutmaster Baird presented Will with a hand-carved neckerchief slide — a recognition item he’s bestowed on outgoing SPL’s since the troop’s founding in 2012, including Will’s older brother and past SPL Camp.

Will accepts a hand-carved neckerchief slide commemorating his term as senior patrol leader
from Scoutmaster Baird.

The spring court of honor represents a pause in weekly troop meetings for the summer, but the troop will still remain active during the summer. Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford announced that the troop is considering a summertime opportunity to reschedule its annual planning retreat, which was postponed in April due to weather.

A contingent led by assistant scoutmasters Matt Podemski and Christian Dagg will depart June 15 for the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, Scouts BSA’s premier experience for canoeing and winter camping. The five-person crew will spend a week canoeing the biodiverse waterways of the Northern Boreal Forest unique to Northern Minnesota and Canada.

Another group will enjoy a traditional summer camp experience at Camp Sequoyah in north Alabama located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and on the edge of Talladega National Forest; Camp Sequoyah is a wilderness destination steeped in Scouting Spirit and the beauty of Northeast Alabama.

At its weekly meeting prior to the court of honor, the troop hosted elections for membership in the Order of the Arrow. Scouts who were elected will learn of their election either while attending summer camp or through some other manner prior to Chattahoochee Lodge’s Aug. 6-8 Summer OA Induction weekend.

The troop anticipates resuming its weekly meeting schedule in August.

For more photos from the court of honor, visit the troop’s online photo album. Stay up to date on the troop’s Northern Tier and summer camp experiences here on the troop blog.

Steiner becomes third-generation Eagle Scout and Troop 50’s 21st

Three generations of Eagle Scouts: Camp Steiner '19, his father Thomas Steiner '77, and his grandfather Edwin Beck '56

This spring, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Thomas “Camp” Steiner. He is the son of Thomas and Joscelin Steiner of Auburn. Camp is the troop’s 21st Eagle Scout since its founding in 2012. In addition, he is a third-generation Eagle Scout: his grandfather, Edwin Beck, earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1956, and his father, Thomas, earned in 1977.

Camp’s Eagle Scout ceremony, held at the Lee County Historical Society’s Pioneer Park in Loachapoka on Sunday, Feb 23, included fellow Scouts, leaders, family and friends. Senior Patrol Leader Trey oversaw the presentation of colors, followed by welcomes from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird. Readings by fellow Scouts (left to right) Liam, Jason, Michael and Joe reminded everyone of the symbolism behind the colors of the Eagle Scout badge, the significance of the Scout Oath and Law in our daily lives, as well as the foundation they have and will provide Camp.

Edwin Beck, Eagle Scout Class of 1956, administers the "Eagle Scout Promise" to his grandson, Camp.

Camp's mother, Joscie, presents Camp with his
Eagle Scout medal.

Scoutmaster Baird oversaw the official presentation of the Eagle Scout rank to Camp. This included administering the "Eagle Scout Charge," as well as the "Eagle Scout Promise," led by his grandfather, and joined in by other Eagle Scouts in attendance. Camp’s parents joined in the presentation of the insignia marking his achievement of the Eagle Scout rank, and Camp in turn presented both of his parents with Eagle Scout mother’s and father’s pins. On behalf of the troop, Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford presented Camp with membership in the National Eagle Scout Association — a tradition dating back to the troop's first Eagle Scout in 2013.

Scoutmaster Baird congratulates Camp on becoming the troop's 21st Eagle Scout.

After the formal awards presentation, Camp then shared words of thanks to those in attendance, as well as to those who had supported his Scouting efforts. Following tradition, Camp recognized several special leaders and adults with Eagle Scout mentor pins, which signify the special roles they played in his advancement efforts and in completing his Eagle Scout leadership service project. These included his grandfather, his uncle Jeremy Bolton, and his parents.

Father and son embrace after Camp presents his dad with an Eagle Scout mentor pin.

Camp joined Troop 50 in September 2017 after transferring from Troop 316 in Pass Christian, Mississippi. During his tenure in Troop 50, he has served in several leadership positions including quartermaster, patrol leader, senior patrol leader, and junior assistant scoutmaster before becoming an assistant scoutmaster. Through his Scouting participation, he earned 31 merit badges and was elected for membership in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society. In 2019, Camp was selected by his fellow Scouts as the recipient of the troop's James A. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award, which he received from Scoutmaster Baird at the troop's September 2019 court of honor (right)

Camp and fellow Troop 50 Eagle Scout Jacob Van Horn at the juncture of their respective Eagle Scout projects.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Camp planned and led volunteers to build a fence enclosing Pioneer Park’s McLain Garden — a collection of culinary and medicinal herbs, some of which were used as folk medicine in the South. Family, friends, and fellow Scouts and leaders logged more than 145 service hours planning and constructing the project. The new fence ties in with two arbors built by fellow Troop 50 Eagle Scout Jacob Van Horn in 2018.

Camp and family after he passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on Sept. 17, 2019.

After completing the Eagle Scout rank requirements, which included planning and executing his service project, Camp appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Sept. 17, 2019. He is among the two Troop 50 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank during 2019.

Camp is a graduate of Auburn High School, where some of his activities included Film Club, Scholar's Bowl, leading STEM nights at local elementary schools with the Technology Students Association, Spanish Club, and Ultimate Frisbee.

Camp began his collegiate studies this fall as a Presidential Scholar at The University of Tulsa (Oklahoma), where he is majoring in computer science, with minors in mathematics and possibly Spanish.

Since the first Eagle Scout was awarded in 1912, more than 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 2019 alone, 61,535 Boy Scouts earned Scouting’s highest rank —  beating the previous record of 58,659 set in 2012, the 100-year anniversary of the award first being presented.

For more photos from Camp’s Eagle Scout Ceremony, visit the troop's online photo album.

Vollenweider honored as Troop 50’s 20th Eagle Scout

On Sunday, Nov. 24, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Joseph Vollenweider. He is the son of Glen and Margaret Vollenweider of Auburn. Joe is the troop’s 20th Eagle Scout since its founding in 2012.

Ethan, Trey and Creighton (left to right) outline the significance of the
colors of the Eagle Scout rank.

Joe's Eagle Scout ceremony, held at Auburn United Methodist Church, included fellow Scouts, leaders, family and friends. Senior Patrol Leader Everett oversaw the presentation of colors, followed by welcomes from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird and Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier. Readings by fellow Scouts, friend Randy Cottier and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams reminded everyone of the significance citizenship and the rank of Eagle Scout has and will play in Joe's life. The program also included "You Raise Me Up," sung by Rev. Chris Kelsey, Auburn United Methodist Church's director of worship and media.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the "Eagle Scout Promise" to
Joe while other Eagle Scouts in attendance join him in
reaffirming their commitment to Scouting principles.

Scoutmaster Baird and Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford oversaw the official presentation of the Eagle Scout rank to Joe. This included the "Eagle Scout Charge," as well as the "Eagle Scout Promise," which other Eagle Scouts in attendance joined Joe in reciting. Joe's parents joined in the presentation of the Eagle Scout rank, and Joe in turn presented both of his parents with Eagle Scout mother and father pins. On behalf of the troop, Mr. Tullier presented Joe with membership in the National Eagle Scout Association — a tradition dating back to the troop's first Eagle Scout in 2013.

Joe's mother, Margaret, pins him with the Eagle Scout medal while his father, Glen, looks on.

Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford, who also serves as Joe's
Auburn United Methodist Church D-Group leader, congratulates
Joe as being pinned with a mentor pin.

After the formal awards presentation, Joe then shared words of thanks to those in attendance, as well as to those who had supported his Scouting efforts since his time as a Cub Scout. Following tradition, Joe recognized several special leaders and adults with Eagle Scout mentor pins, which signify the special roles they played in his advancement efforts and in completing his Eagle Scout leadership service project. These included a posthumous presentation to John Cottier, his Cub Scout den leader, which his wife, Randy, received on his behalf. Other honorees included assistant scoutmasters Wes Williams and Christian Dagg, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, and Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford. The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Auburn United Methodist Church's senior pastor, Rev. Cory Smith.

Joe (front row, far right) in April 2014 after earning his Arrow of Light
and crossing over from Pack 29 to Troop 50.

Joe joined joined Troop 50 in April 2014 after earning the Webelos rank and the Arrow of Light as a Cub Scout in Pack 29. During his tenure in Troop 50, he has served in several leadership positions leading up to patrol leader, lead troop guide, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, and his current position as junior assistant scoutmaster. Through his Scouting participation, he earned 26 merit badges and was elected for membership in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Joe planned and led volunteers to build a larger debriefing space at the Auburn University Challenge Course. Family, friends, and fellow Scouts and leaders logged more than 72 service hours planning and constructing the project. The new debriefing area features six foldable benches that alternate between being serving as benches for the debriefing area and as picnic tables for groups participating in the challenge course.

Joe with his parents following his successful completion of his
Eagle Scout Board of Review.

After completing the Eagle Scout rank requirements, which included planning and executing his service project, Joe appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Sept. 17, 2019. He is among the two Troop 50 Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank during 2019.

Joe is an 11th grader at Auburn High School, where he is active in the Engineering Club and Technical Student Association. He and he parents worship at Auburn United Methodist Church, where he is an active leader of the church’s Youth Group and member of the Youth Choir.

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 2018 alone, 52,160 Boy Scouts earned Scouting’s highest rank.

For more photos from Joe's Eagle Scout Ceremony, 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.