Luke becomes troop's 29th Eagle Scout

 On Tuesday, July 26, Luke became Troop 50's 29th Eagle Scout. He is an alumnus of Cub Scout Pack 29.

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.

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.

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.

Williams honored as troop's 13th Eagle Scout

On April 30, Boy Scout Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring Creighton Wesley Wilson Williams. He appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on Jan. 24, becoming the troop’s first Eagle Scout of 2017 and its 13th since its founding in 2012.

Lead Troop Guide Louie, who has served in various youth leadership positions with Creighton throughout their time in the troop, called the court of honor to order with the presentation of the flags and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Scout Law. Michael Tullier, the troop’s chartered organization representative, welcomed everyone as the master of ceremonies. Rev. Charles Cummings, Auburn United Methodist Church’s associate minister, offered an opening prayer, and Saugahatchee District Committee Chair Julie Hoff offered greetings from the district and council.

Creighton receives congratulations and guidance
from his uncle, Gary Williams.

In addition to the traditional elements of an Eagle Scout court of honor, Creighton’s ceremony featured family, friends and relatives with Scouting backgrounds—each of whom offered Creighton both congratulatory remarks and reminders of the seriousness that comes with wearing the Eagle Scout badge. These individuals included Ross Reed, principal of Auburn Junior High School, who earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1986; Matt Clegg, a former neighbor of the Williams family, who earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1990; and Gary Williams, Creighton’s uncle, a former Scout, and immediate past council president and current national council representative for the Palmetto Council based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The ceremony also included founding Troop 50 Eagle Scouts Davis Baird (Eagle Class of 2011), Andrew Stanford (Eagle Class of 2015) and Davis Tullier (Eagle Class of 2016).

Creighton accepts the Eagle Scout Promise

Sara Doornbos, Creighton's mother, pins the
Eagle Scout medal on his uniform shirt.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird issued the Eagle Scout Promise to Creighton, who was joined by other Eagle Scouts in attendance. He then received from his parents his Eagle Scout medal and Eagle Scout neckerchief slide, and in return, he presented Eagle Scout mother and father pins to his parents.

Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford presented Creighton with several additional recognitions. These included membership in the National Eagle Scout Association, sponsored by Troop 50, as well as a certificate of recognition from the Sons of the America Revolution (of which Creighton’s father and uncle are members), and congratulatory correspondence from U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers. City of Auburn Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 2 Councilman Ron Anders added to the special commendations by presenting a proclamation declaring Sunday, April 30 as “Creighton Wesley Wilson Williams Eagle Scout Day” in Auburn.

Creighton accepts from Auburn Mayor Pro Tem Ron Anders a proclamation declaring April 30 as
"Creighton Wesley Wilson Williams Eagle Scout Day" in the City of Auburn.

Creighton presents Scoutmaster Andrew Baird
with one of the five mentor pins he awarded.

Creighton concluded the ceremony by thanking those in attendance and those who supported him throughout his Scouting activities. He paid special tribute to five special mentors to whom he presented Eagle Scout mentor pins:

• John Cottier, his former Pack 29 den leader, who received the Eagle Scout rank in 1957 and who passed away in 2015
• Rob Stanford, his former Pack 29 cubmaster, as well as a current Troop 50 leader and Creighton's long-time D-Group leader at Auburn United Methodist Church
• Michael Tullier, his Eagle Scout project coach and current Troop 50 leader
• Andrew Baird, his current Troop 50 scoutmaster
• Wes Williams, his father

Creighton, the son of Wes Williams and Sara Doornbos of Auburn, previously served the troop as an assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, troop instructor, troop guide and senior patrol leader. He currently serves as the troop’s junior assistant scoutmaster and will serve as senior patrol leader for the Chattahoochee Council’s 2017 National Jamboree contingent. To date, he has earned 26 merit badges and accrued more than 50 nights of camping, 100 hours of community service, 40 hiking and backpacking miles, and 15 paddling miles. In 2016, he completed the Boy Scouts’ National Youth Leadership Training, a six-day course equipping Scouts with leadership skills and experience applicable to both Scouting and personal situations.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Creighton and the volunteers he led accrued 182.5 volunteer hours enhancing the Auburn Celebration Grove at the City of Auburn’s Kiesel Park. Together, they established a new trailhead and installed an informational kiosk. They also created a navigational system that includes new tree plinths and a corresponding web page listing the trees that comprise the Auburn Celebration Grove and those for which the trees are named, a dedicated geocache, and new benches for relaxation and mediation.

Hunter was among the Scouts and leaders who helped Creighton complete his
Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project at Kiesel Park.

Currently, Creighton is an eighth grader at Auburn Junior High School. This summer, in addition to attending the National Boy Scout Jamboree at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia, which will attract more than 40,000 Scouts and leaders, he will participate in a 12-day backpacking expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts’ largest national high-adventure base, which is located in Cimarron, New Mexico.

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. Less than 2 percent of all Boy Scouts complete the requirements for the Eagle Scout rank.

For more photos from Creighton’s Eagle Scout court of honor, please visit the troop’s online photo album.

A tradition continues

From left to right are Aiden, Creighton, Everett, Luke, and Jason.

On Friday, April 8, a tradition continued as Troop 50 welcomed its newest scout from Pack 29 during the pack's annual Arrow of Light ceremony at Auburn United Methodist Church.  Luke (the one pictured with the troop hat) becomes the latest of a long line of scouts coming from the pack.  Four scouts and four leaders from the troop were present to welcome Luke into our family.  We are very happy to have Luke's family as part of our troop as well. 

Another very unique tradition continues with Luke's addition to Troop 50.  Pack 29 has an annual scout spirit award called the Jimmy Stewart Award.  This award is presented to a scout each year based on the scout's spirit and work ethic in scouting and beyond.  It is a huge honor among Pack 29 scouts to receive this award and Troop 50 has had the distinct pleasure to have all four of the Jimmy Stewart Award winners as part of our troop.  Winners are Mark (2013), Nicky (2014), Hunter (2015), and Luke (2016).  We are so honored that these excellent scouts have chosen to be a part of our troop.

Luke joins six scouts who have joined the troop in recent months.  The troop will round out its new scout class next month as it welcomes a new scout from Pack 811.  The troop's continued growth of new membership is important as we lose several more members this year who will be moving on to college and careers.

'Trail to Eagle' concludes with walk down memory lane for new Eagle Scout Andrew

On Sunday, Nov. 1, Troop 50 Scouts and leaders gathered at Auburn United Methodist Church with family and friends of Andrew Stanford to celebrate his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. Andrew's ceremony celebrated not only his completion of Scouting's highest rank, but the many friendships he has made through Scouting, as well as his active involvement in Auburn United Methodist Church's youth and choir programs and the Auburn High School marching band program.

Andrew — a founding member of Troop 50, a two-time senior patrol leader, and inaugural recipient of the troop's James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award — passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on September 15. He is one of the troop's three Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank in 2015, and among the eight to earn Eagle since the troop's founding in 2012. Andrew is also a second-generation Eagle Scout. His father, Rob, who serves the troop as a founding member himself and its troop committee chair, earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1993.

Louie narrates the ceremonial candle lighting, which was performed by Troop 50 Scouts
(left to right) Nicky, Rusty, and Creighton

The court of honor began with a welcome from Troop 50 Senior Patrol Leader Louie, a prayer by AUMC Director of Youth Ministry Marc Baugh, and ceremonial candle lighting by Troop 50 Scouts Louie, Rusty, Nicky, and Creighton. Scoutmaster Andrew Baird offered official greetings on behalf of the troop, and Julie Hoff, newly elected chair of the Saugahatchee District's District Committee, offered greetings and congratulations on the district's behalf.

A large crowd of family, friends, fellow Scouts, and leaders attended the court of honor to celebrate Andrew's success.

Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams
shares of the significance of the eagle.

The next portion of the program included several narrative readings relevant to Scouting and the Eagle Scout rank — each read by someone of significance to Andrew's personal and Scouting development. The first of those, Significance of the Eagle, read by Troop 50 Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams, recounted the eagle's role in symbolizing royalty, power, victory, authority, and valor, as well as its revered status by Native Americans, Christians, Americans, and Boy Scouts. Michelle Stearns, director of AUMC's Elevate Youth Choir, read the poem An Eagle Scout. And finally, Seth Almond, an Eagle Scout in Troop 11 and fellow member of the AHS marching band, recited 100 Scouts, which outlines how Scouting influences any given group of 100 boys who become Scouts. Ultimately, only four of those 100 will earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Andrew receives from Chartered Organization Representative and Assistant Scoutmaster
Michael Tullier "lost and found" items from his Scouting experiences leading up to the First Class rank.

Fellow Troop 50 founder and
Eagle Scout William recounts memories
of his and Andrew's trip to Philmont.

While Alabama State Representative Mike Hubbard, who serves as the speaker of the house, narrated The Trail to Eagle as the "Voice of the Eagle," Andrew's friends, fellow Scouts, and leaders challenged Andrew to remember Scouting's influence on his life by sharing memories from his Scouting experiences. Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton, who was Andrew's Pack 29 den leader, shared of Andrew's days as a Cub Scout. George, a member of Troop 15, told stories of his and Andrew's summer camp experiences at Camp Daniel Boone. Longtime friend, Eagle Scout, and member of Troop 15 Joe Farrow, who because of a U.S. Naval Academy commitment shared by video how much Andrew's friendship had meant to him and how Andrew inspired him to stay involved in Scouting. Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier, who in addition to knowing Andrew since his Cub Scouting days also coached Andrew's soccer team and worked with him through AUMC's youth programs, shared of Andrew's Scouting experiences by "returning" to Andrew "lost and found" items collected from Andrew's Scouting adventures. Longtime Scouting friend Kyle shared memories of their mutual Scouting experiences, especially those that followed their co-founding of Troop 50. Finally, Will, another fellow Troop 50 founder and Eagle Scout, shared memories from his and Andrew's 2013 trip to Philmont as part of Expedition 617-R.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird administers the Eagle Scout Promise.

Proud mom Lysha Stanford pins on her son his Eagle Scout medal.

Scoutmaster Baird began the presentation of the rank of Eagle Scout by issuing the Eagle Charge and Promise to Andrew, who was joined by other Eagle Scouts in attendance. Andrew presented Eagle Scout parent pins to his parents, Rob (who also serves as the troop's committee chair and previously served as cubmaster for Andrew's Cub Scout pack) and Lysha. His mom pinned on him the Eagle Scout medal, and his father exchanged his regular neckerchief slide with a new Eagle Scout one. Mr. Tullier presented Andrew with, on behalf of the troop, membership in the National Eagle Scout Association.

Andrew proudly shows off his Eagle Scout certificate.

Andrew presents his father, Rob Stanford, with an Eagle Scout mentor pin.

The honoree then shared his appreciation with everyone for attending the court of honor, as well as to those who assisted with his Eagle Scout leadership service project at Pick Elementary School. His remarks also included the presentation of mentor pins to those adults who who shaped his Scouting experience and mentored him along the way to earning the Eagle Scout rank. Andrew presented mentor pins to Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton, Chartered Organization Representative and Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Tullier, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, and his father and Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford. AUMC Associate Minister Charles Cummings concluded the court of honor with a closing prayer.

For additional photos from Andrew's Eagle Scout Court of Honor, visit the troop's online photo album. You also can read more about Andrew's Eagle Scout leadership service project benefiting the student and teachers of Pick Elementary School.

In Memory of a Fine Man

      Troop 50 celebrated the life and contributions of a leader, Scout parent, and friend as we said farewell to John Cottier, who passed away unexpectedly last week. Professor Cottier was a well respected and beloved archaeologist at the university, a Vietnam veteran, an Eagle Scout, and a dedicated Scouting volunteer. He will be missed by all who knew him.

John points out various archaeological sites to the Scouts at the
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in April 2014.

      John grew up in Auburn, earned his Eagle rank in 1957 with Troop 11, and graduated from Auburn University in 1964. He received his masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama and the University of Missouri, respectively. Called by the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam during the late 1960s, he attained the rank of Captain in the armor branch and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in combat. With a humility typical of John, he never revealed, even to his family, how he earned his medal.

      In his professional career, John accomplished a great deal. As an associate professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work; he was a dedicated teacher and researcher. His field school in archaeology trained many students over the years and his research covered many Alabama historical sites such as Fort Mitchell, the Ebert Canebrake Site, and the Old Federal Road. One of the many tributes to John and his work came from one of his colleagues, Jessica Crawford, the Southeastern Region Director of the Archaeological Conservancy. The article is found online at the Archeological Conservancy website. Another great tribute to John was published in the student newspaper, The Auburn Plainsman.

Troop 50 Scouts and leaders line up prior to the service for Dr. Cottier.

      As a Scouter, John was a dedicated volunteer. He served as a Cub Scout den leader for both of his sons. As a den leader with Pack 29, he started as a Tiger Cub leader and followed his den through their Wolf, Bear, and Webelo years. Several current Troop 50 Scouts found their own dedication to Scouting under John's tutelage. Upon transitioning to Troop 50, John registered as an assistant scoutmaster but health concerns kept him from participating as fully as he would have liked. Still, he was a hard worker and always looking to contribute in any way that he could. A number of the photos in our online photo gallery were taken by John and just three weeks ago, he met the boys upon the troop's return from Camp Sequoyah with a big "Welcome Home" sign. On Monday, the Scouts returned the honor as we lined up behind his family at the funeral service. Troop Committee Chairman, and former Pack 29 Cubmaster, Rob Stanford spoke eloquently about John's commitment to Scouting. He noted that the two things that best defined John were how humble he was, never seeking credit for his contributions, and how hard working he was. He was often the first to arrive at Scouting events and the last to leave. His hard work and humility will be missed in every endeavor of which he was a part.

             

Dr. John W. Cottier, 1940 - 2015

     

      Memorial donations for John may be made to the Forward in Faith Campaign at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1100 North College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 or to the John W. Cottier Memorial Scholarship for Archaeology, Allocation code: 60001365, Gift processing, 317 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36849.

The new 'Troop 50 Five' achieve milestone Scout Rank

The troop's five newest members arrived at Monday's night's meeting as official members of the troop — having crossed over from Pack 29 to Boy Scouts on April 10 — and left the meeting with not only their patrol assignments, but with the Scout rank in hand. The five received their Scout rank patches from Senior Patrol Leader Andrew and Assistant Patrol Leader Will at the conclusion of the evening's meeting.

Our newest Scouts, flanked by ASPL William (far left) and SPL Andrew (far right),
are (left to right): Trey, Carl, Zach, Hunter, and Miles.

Carl, Trey and Hunter are now members of the Carnivorous Pandas Patrol, and Zach and Miles are members of the Outdoorsmen Patrol.

And, for our parents who may not know where to put the newest patch in their sons' collection, here's a hint!

Webelos bring new 'light' to troop during crossover ceremony

Arrow of Light awards in hand, five Pack 29 Webelos Scouts crossed the Scouting bridge from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts on Friday, April 10, thereby becoming Troop 50's newest Boy Scouts. While they are new additions to the official troop roster, their steady attendance at recent troop meetings has already made them familiar faces at troop activities.

The troop's newest Scouts included (front row, second from the left to right) Carl, Zach, Hunter,
Miles, and Trey. They are joined by current Troop 50 Scouts and leaders — and all Pack 29
alumni — (front row, far left) Jason; (back row, left to right) Nicky, Ethan,
Chartered Organization Representative and Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Tullier, ASPL Will,
SPL Andrew, Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford, and Assistant Scoutmaster Billy Lytle.

Pack 29 conducted its crossover ceremony at Auburn United Methodist Church, which serves as the its chartered organization. Rains throughout the day and evening on Friday unfortunately forced the pack to move the ceremony indoors, and despite missing elements like a campfire and torches that are standards for the pack's annual ceremony, pack leaders and Scouts did a great job retaining a warm Scouting spirit for all who attended. Senior Patrol Leader Andrew and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader William assisted in the ceremony as one of the principle ceremony actors and "backstage," respectively, and the troop was well represented by other Scouts and leaders present to receive our newest members and their families.

The five Webelos joining Troop 50 were among more than a dozen Webelos Scouts participating in the event and transferring membership from the pack to area Boy Scout troops. Many of Troop 50's Scouts and leaders are alumni of Pack 29. The 2015 ceremony marks the third consecutive year the troop has benefited from a strong class of new Scouts (and families) crossing over from Pack 29.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of the pack's Webelos Scouts, pack leadership also lauded the contributions of many of its leaders who were "retiring" from their Pack 29 service. Among those with Troop 50 connections were Rob Stanford, the troop's committee chair who until last year served as the pack's cubmaster, and for the past year has served as the pack's committee chair; Lysha Stanford, troop committee member who has served as pack trainer and, as Rob referred to her, "his better half"; Clyde Wikle, who served for many years has provided leadership for his son's den and organized pack activities as its outings chair; and Mary Jo Wikle, who assisted in chairing a number of pack committee duties over the years.

Please visit the troop's online photo album for more photos from the crossover event.

Spring camporee challenges Scouts' pioneering, team-building skills

Troop 50 returned to Chewacla State Park's Civilian Conservation Corps Campsite for the Saugahatchee District's annual Frank Horky Spring Camporee. The troop joined five other troops and more than 120 Scouts and leaders from both the Saugahatchee and Muskogee Districts.

Because the threat of rain kept most troops at home Friday night, Troop 50 spent a quiet evening in camp before getting up Saturday to welcome the arrival of its newest Boy Scouts, who recently joined from area Cub Scout packs, as well as to ready for the competitive events of the day.

Troop 50 Scouts recover one of the
"injured" during the emergency
preparedness drill.

Some Scouts participated in the morning's emergency preparedness drill, which included a mock troop mobilization and first aid exercise.

After lunch, the troop's two patrols competed in a variety of events testing Scouts' team-work skills while vying for the coveted Spring Camporee kudu horn.

Creighton tosses the tomahawk.

In addition to the Tomahawk Toss, which Troop 50 ran, other events included:

John competes in the Bow Saw Relay

Bow Saw Relay, where Scouts used a bow saw correctly to cut a given number of wood medallions in the shortest amount of time.

Robert leads the knot-tying portion of the Log Lift.

Log Lift, where Scouts created a rope-and-pulley system to lift a log off the ground a certain height and hold for a given amount of time.

The Turn Up Patrol attempts to help Louie "walk" the A-Frame.

A-Frame Walk, where Scouts used a lashed-together “A-Frame” and a system of ropes to "walk" a given distance in the shortest amount of time.

The Turn Ups safely deliver the hot isotope to the safe zone.

Hot Isotope, requiring Scouts to move an item from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time using ropes, bungee cords, and coordinated teamwork.

The patrol discusses strategy before beginning the Portage Race.

Portage Race, through which Scouts toted a canoe and other given equipment through a pre-established course in the shortest amount of time.

Senior Patrol Leader William helps ready a lashed-together tripod
before the start of the campsite inspection.

Campsite Inspection, where organization, cleanliness, and camping best-practices were evaluated and scored.

Dutch Oven Cookoff, where Scouts' cast-iron culinary skills were put to the (taste) test.

Animal Tracking, where Scouts tried to identify as many animal tracks as possible.

While some of the troop departed to participate in the Pack 29 Arrow of Light Crossover Ceremony, others remained at the camporee to attend the awards campfire. The troop was recognized for a third-place finish in the Campsite Inspection, and the Turn Up Patrol placed first in the Bow Saw Relay and second in the Hot Isotope event.

The troop reassembled after the campfire and crossover ceremony, settled in for the evening, and then the rain set in! Scouts and leaders awoke Sunday morning after several hours of rain, which continued through the time the troop departed camp. While rain marked the end to the second campout in a row, Scouts and leaders noted during the Patrol Leaders Council the following Monday evening that challenges such as those help the troop better prepare for future events. The PLC members also praised how everyone worked together as a team in the events, especially in welcoming our newest Scouts. To better prepare the newer Scouts and sharpen skills for seasoned Scouts, the next several troop meetings will focus on camping equipment, menu planning and food preparation, and other camping-related Scout skills.

Find more photos and video from the Spring Camporee in the troop's online photo album.