Will Steiner becomes troop's 30th and first brother-brother duo Eagle Scout

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Will Steiner became Troop 50's 30th Eagle Scout. He and his older brother Camp (Eagle Class of 2019 and the troop's 21st Eagle Scout) are the troop's first brother-brother Eagle Scout duo!

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.

June court of honor marks transition to summer, fall activities

The troop’s traditional June court of honor marks the end of the troop’s school-year calendar, its transition to summertime activities, and its break before hitting the ground running with its usual, action-packed fall schedule.

The spring court of honor on Monday, June 6 celebrated the advancement success of 10 of its Scouts who earned new merit badges, advanced in rank, or both. In addition to the 19 merit badges presented Monday evening, six Scouts advanced in rank—including two who attained the Eagle Scout rank in May and will be honored during ceremonies later in the year.

While Eagle-required merit badges like the series of Citizenship merit badges and Cooking Merit Badge frequently top the list of those presented at courts of honor, this spring’s ceremony included the likes of elective merit badges like Aviation and Bird Study merit badges. Tyson was also recognized for earning the World Conservation Award.

The pre-summer camp court of honor also marks the biannual transition of elected and appointed youth leaders. Those Scouts installed in their respective positions and who will serve the troop during the second half of the year included:

Leadership Corp

Senior Patrol Leader: Rhett

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: Harrison M.
Lead Instructor: James
Lead Troop Guide: Jake
Troop Quartermaster: Johnson

Outdoor Ethics Guide: George

Ice Knights Patrol

Patrol Leader: Jackson

Assistant Patrol Leader: William D.

Quartermaster: Harrison P.

Savage Cabbage Patrol

Patrol Leader: Dillon

Assistant Patrol Leader: Jacob

Quartermaster: Cooper

The June 6 court of honor is the troop’s final Monday-night activity for the summer. Summertime activities will include summer camp at Camp Sequoyah in Delta, Alabama, from June 19-25. Scouts and families will enjoy some social time during the annual “Chill at the Lake” event on Saturday, July 16.

The troop will resume its regular schedule in August in conjunction with the start of the K-12 school year.

Troop celebrates 27th, 28th Eagle Scouts

On Tuesday, May 24, Troop 50 celebrated its two newest Eagle Scouts: Beck, who is the troop's 27th Eagle Scout, and Tyson, who is the troop's 28th.

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.

January campout ‘for the birds’…but in a good way

Troop 50 Scouts “nested” the weekend of Jan. 22-24 at Auburn’s Chewacla State Park with a variety of activities in mind — chief among those being working on Bird Study Merit Badge. The troop’s first campout of 2021 also included work toward Hiking Merit Badge, including a five-mile troop-wide hike on the park’s scenic and backwoods trails.

Friday evening included typical activities that mark the first night of a campout: setting up patrol areas where Scouts would cook and gather, as well as pitching tents where Scouts would bed for the night. Fortunately, the day’s rain broke just as Scouts arrived at Chewacla, but was followed that evening by temperatures that dipped into the upper 30s — making for a chilly night’s sleep and an equally chilly morning on Saturday.

Mr. McGuire leads the morning's Bird Study Merit Badge discussion.

After patrols finished breakfast, the troop divided into two groups — with a majority of Scouts opting to pursue Bird Study Merit Badge. The morning session was led by John McGuire, a troop parent, certified forester, and wildlife biologist. The group discussed the basics of bird study, such as understanding birds’ importance to the ecosystem, terminology and sketching techniques, and using bird study resources like field guides and binoculars.

Scoutmaster Baird and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams share their hiking and
backpacking experiences as part of the Hiking Merit Badge session.

A smaller group of Scouts worked on Hiking Merit Badge requirements with Scoutmaster Andrew Baird. It may be earned by Scouts as an alternate option to Eagle-required Swimming or Cycling merit badges. Their discussion included planning for a hike, mitigating hiking health and safety hazards, and incorporating proper guidance for attire and footwear. Both Scoutmaster Baird and Assistant Scoutmaster Williams shared about their experiences from both short hikes and multi-day Philmont Scout Ranch backpacking treks ranging from 70 to 80 miles.

The Wizard Lizards Patrol with their assigned members of the Leadership Corps.

The Gladiators Patrol, along with their assigned members of the Leadership Corps.

The troop reassembled for a group hike through Chewacla State Park — the goal being to cover five miles as part of the Hiking Merit Badge requirements. The troop departed in two groups, reconvened for a trail lunch, and then set out again for the remainder of the trek.

Scouts who were part of the Bird Study Merit Badge class head out to do a little bird-viewing.

Upon the troop’s return, the Bird Study Merit Badge group conducted a field observation of the Civilian Conservation Corps campsite. Scouts used binoculars to view the birds’ activities, and described and recorded the birds they saw in their field notebooks.

After dinner and well into the evening, the troop gathered for a traditional Saturday evening campfire. Scouts entertained each other with skits and songs — both planned and impromptu. The final element of the campfire was the retirement of roughly a dozen American flags. Most were faded, torn, or tattered and therefore ready to be retired — the term used to define the proper, dignified way of destroying United States flags that are no longer fit to serve the nation. The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

The 48-star American flag provided by the Jerome family for retirement.

One flag stood out from the rest — a 48-star American flag given to the troop by the Jerome family, which includes Jake Jerome, the troop’s first senior patrol leader, second Eagle Scout, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, and a current U.S. Air Force pilot. The flag, more than 100 years old, would have been in circulation between the admission of Arizona as the 48th state in 1912 and Alaska’s and Hawaii’s statehood in 1959. The Jeromes decided that, because the flag had become discolored and stained, it was past its prime and ready for a dignified retirement.

Scoutmaster Baird assists Scouts with the retirement of the Jerome family flag.

The ceremony included the retirement of nearly two dozen
American flags.

This particular flag belonged to Jake’s great-grandfather who fought in World War I. He received the flag in conjunction with his service in the U.S. Army, which also included being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross — the second-highest medal after the Medal of Honor that our country awards servicemen and servicewomen.

The solemnity of the flag retirement, which concluded with the playing of Taps by new troop bugler James, and the cooling temperatures found Scouts welcoming the day’s end and the warmth of their tents.

On Sunday, after breakfast was over and everyone’s gear was packed away, the troop gathered to reflect on all that Scouts accomplished over the weekend. Chartered Organization Representative and Troop Chaplain Michael Tullier led the troop in its traditional “Duty to God” devotional service. Together, they discussed the role of pausing, prayer, discernment and wisdom in the decisions we make in life.

During the troop’s Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting the following Monday, youth leaders saw opportunities to work on Hiking and Bird Study merit badges as a good mix. They observed that the patrols worked well together, but duty assignments and “kitchen patrol” need to be improved to ensure better organization and teamwork. They also liked incorporating the flag retirement ceremony as part of Saturday night’s campfire.

The troop is evaluating camping options for February and remaining focused on the pandemic’s possible effects on those and troop meeting plans.

For more photos from the campout, visit the troop’s online photo album.

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.

Troop 50 updates Auburn Rotarians on activities, achievements

On Wednesday, July 31, Troop 50 scouts and leaders were present at the weekly meeting of the Auburn Rotary Club to provide the troop’s charter organization with an update on troop activities during the past year. Rotarian and the troop’s charter organization representative, Michael Tullier, hosted the group.

Leading the presentation was Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, who reported to Rotarians that, in 2018, the troop qualified as a “Gold Unit” under the Boy Scouts of America’s “Journey to Excellence” program. This was in part to its individual Scout advancement efforts, which included 35 awarded ranks (of which three were the rank of Eagle Scout) and 99 earned merit badges. Journey to Excellence also evaluates a unit’s year-round activities, which for Troop 50 Scouts and leaders included 408 collective nights of camping, 154 collective miles of hiking, and 971 collective hours of service.

Following Mr. Baird’s overview, several Scouts shared with Rotarians about their troop involvement. Senior Patrol Leader Camp spoke about his progress toward earning the Eagle Scout rank — specifically his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project to fence the McLain Garden at the Lee County Historical Society’s Pioneer Park in Loachapoka.

Camp’s younger brother James talked about his experiences as one of the troop’s newest Scouts. He noted how regular monthly campouts helping him develop new Scout skills and advance in rank. Finally, Camp and James’ middle sibling, Will, summarized the troop’s summer camp experience this past June at Camp Rainey Mountain in Clayton, Georgia. There, he and other Scouts were able to make significant progress toward earning merit badges as they deepen friendships.

Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford wrapped up the presentation by thanking the Rotary Club for its ongoing financial support, as well as inviting Rotarians to serve as merit badge counselors. Mr. Stanford noted that anyone with hobby-level knowledge to professional expertise on a specific topic could share their subject-matter expertise as a merit badge counselor for a single Scout or group of Scouts.

For more information about Troop 50, visit www.boyscout50.org or read more about the troop's activities here on its blog.

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.

Journey to Excellence

       For the sixth straight year (which is every full year of the troop's existence) Troop 50 has achieved gold status in the BSA assessment process known as Journey to Excellence. The program is a self-evaluation which allows units, districts, and councils to measure their strengths with a goal of continual improvement. The unit scorecard contains eleven objectives in the fields of Planning and Budget, Membership, Program, and Volunteer Leadership; and rates various metrics at bronze, silver, and gold levels.

       In 2018, Troop 50 met ten out of eleven objectives. We received gold scores in recruitment (due to a 19.2 percent growth for the year), retention (91.7 percent of the scouts remained in the troop at

year's end), advancement (71 percent of our scouts advanced by at least one rank), and leadership & family engagement (due to our large number of registered leaders and parental involvement). We also scored in the silver range for our camping program, consistent use of the patrol method, and our Webelos to Scout transition plans. We received a total score of 1250 points to achieve gold status, which required us to meet at least eight objectives with a collective total of 1000 points.

       The troop has much to be proud of in 2018. Our scouts collectively earned ninety-nine merit badges and had thirty-five rank advancements. This included three new Eagle Scouts and six Eagle Palms. In fact, we now have four Eagle Scouts who have each earned Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms. Scouts and adult leaders together spent 408 nights of camping, hiked 154 miles, and gave 971 hours of service to the community. These numbers not only reflect on the commitment by the scouts to the program but also the high level of support that we receive from adult volunteers, parents, our charter partners at the Auburn Rotary Club, and the members of the First Presbyterian Church and Auburn United Methodist Church. This meaningful support gives us what we need to meet the troop's mission to GATHER young men into a quality scouting program, GROW them into servant leaders, and GO into the community in service and fellowship.

Schallock honored as Troop 50’s 17th Eagle Scout

On Saturday, May 12, Troop 50 bestowed the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank during a ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout William “Liam” Henry Schallock III. Liam appeared before the Saugahatchee District’s Eagle Scout Board on February 20, 2018, making him the troop’s 17th EagleScout, and one of two Scouts to receive the Eagle Scout rank so far in 2018.

Liam’s ceremony, held at Chewacla State Park’s Lower Pavilion — the site of his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project — included many of his fellow Scouts 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. The ceremony also included his grandfather, Sonny Cantrell, who offered the welcome, and his godmother, Brandy McMichael, who led the ceremony’s opening and closing prayers.

Liam's mother Sasha pins him with the
Eagle Scout medal.

After accepting the “Eagle Scout Charge” from Scoutmaster Andrew Baird, Liam’s mother, Sasha, pinned Liam with his Eagle Scout medal, and his father, Bill, presented him with his Eagle Scout neckerchief slide. In turn, Liam presented his parents with Eagle Scout mother and father pins to recognize their contributions to his success on the "trail to Eagle." Liam also received membership in the National Eagle Scout Association as a gift from the troop.

Liam’s ceremony included additional special recognitions and congratulations from members of the community. Among these were honorary membership in the Alabama Association of School Resource Officers (the focus of his father’s service as a member of the City of Auburn Police Department); a resolution from the Alabama House of Representatives, presented by Alabama House District 79 State Representative Joe Lovvorn; and commendation letters from Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Christopher Blankenship (who is the agency head of the Alabama State Parks), Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman William Clay Ford, and Advanced Micro Devices President and CEO Dr. Lisa Su.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird presents Liam with his framed Eagle Scout certificate.

Liam after crossing over from Cub Scouts
to Troop 50 in April 2014.

During Liam’s closing remarks — which his parents would later refer to as “interesting” and “longer than his mother expected” — he 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, Jason Smith and JP Pendleton; and his grandmother Jenny Cantrell.

Liam joined the troop in 2014 after earning Cub Scouting’s Arrow of Light as a member of Pack 811. As a member of the troop, he has served in leadership positions that have included troop guide, lead instructor, assistant patrol leader, assistant quartermaster, and his current role as junior assistant scoutmaster.

Through his Scouting participation, he has earned 31 merit badges to date, qualifying him for a gold Eagle palm at the time of his ceremony. He also has accrued 55 nights of camping, 83 hours of community service, and 39 hiking and backpacking miles. In addition to various troop-related outings and campouts, he attended the National Boy Scouts of America Jamboree in July 2017, held at The Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

Liam reviews progress on his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project with his father Bill.

For his Eagle Scout leadership service project, Liam provided electrical service connections for a pavilion at Chewacla State Park in Auburn. The project entailed burying more than 400 feet of electrical cable to connect the pavilion to the power supply. Liam supervised a group of more than 15 Scouts and adults who contributed more than 200 volunteer hours.

Liam with (left to right) father Bill, sister Emily and mother Sasha

Liam is the son of William and Sasha Schallock of Auburn, and the brother of Emily Love Schallock. Currently, he is a rising 10th grader at Auburn High School, where he is a member of the Junior Honor Society. He also holds a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and plays defense for the Auburn Youth Lacrosse Club Junior Varsity team.

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 Liam's ceremony and service project, visit the troop's online photo album.