Scout Responsible for Construction of Accessible Fishing Pier
In Berks County, Pennsylvania, Gavin Wanner saw an opportunity to make a difference at Blue Marsh Lake, a popular recreation area visited by thousands each year. As he worked toward the rank of Eagle Scout, he proposed as his service project rebuilding the park’s aging accessible fishing pier at the Stilling Basin, a well-known fishing spot for bass, catfish, and walleye.
Nicole Ross: Her Office Will Have No Walls
Nicole Ross is graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, and a track record that’s hard to ignore: Eagle Scout, Corps of Cadets Battalion Commander, drone pilot, USDA NextGen Fellow, and endurance athlete. In South Dakota, she helped restore aquatic habitats by planting thousands of trees, studying stream health, and leading her own research. On campus, she’s led more than 200 cadets, building a leadership style rooted in presence, listening, and showing up.
Luke Williams Achieves Scouting America’s Triple Crown of Advancement
At 20 years old, Luke Williams has achieved Scouting America’s Triple Crown of Advancement, one of the organization’s highest distinctions. Each award represents a significant commitment to leadership, service, and skill development. Earning all three is exceptionally rare, with only a small number of scouts nationwide reaching this milestone.
Paul Loomis Named Pillar of the Community
Alum Paul Loomis was recently recognized as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Scouting America Twin Buttes District, part of the Grand Teton Council based in Idaho. The award was presented during a ceremony at the American Legion Stewart Hoover Post 23. It traditionally recognizes dedicated Scouting leaders, but this year organizers chose to spotlight Loomis for his leadership beyond the program.
Yvette Maskrey Elected Board President of Aloha Council
Congratulations to Yvette Maskrey on being elected Board President of Scouting America’s Aloha Council, becoming the first woman to serve in this role in the council’s history. This is a meaningful milestone and a reflection of her leadership and commitment to Scouting.
Scout Honors Beloved School Dog
Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires leading a service project. Often, the project the Scout selects comes from a deeply personal place and reflects what matters most to them. For Logan Luparell, that inspiration came from a dog named Butch. Butch, a beloved service dog at Illinois Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Elementary, spent years providing comfort, calm, and connection to students. His presence made a lasting impact on so many young lives.
Being a Merit Badge Counselor a Terrific Way for Alums to Leave a Legacy
Last year, I asked my friend Stephen Deatherage to launch a series called “The Merit Badge That Changed My Life.” Stephen is an exceptional storyteller, and the response to his first four pieces has been incredible. It’s a powerful reminder of how lasting the impact of a single merit badge experience can be, and there’s more great content on the way. Serving as a merit badge counselor is one of the most meaningful ways for Scouting alums to give back. When you share something you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a hobby, a skill, or your profession, you create an experience that stays with a young person long after the badge is earned.
Camp Marin-Sierra Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Camp Marin-Sierra celebrated its 75th anniversary with a staff alumni reunion, bringing together former and current leaders at the 320-acre camp in Emigrant Gap. Founded in 1950, the camp serves hundreds of Scouts each summer. Programs include archery, rifle shooting, nature hikes, and canoeing on Chubb Lake, with a focus on skill-building, leadership, and personal development. Alumni from multiple decades attended, including campers and staff dating back to the 1950s. Many shared how their time at camp contributed to lifelong skills and leadership experience. Current staff noted the value of connecting with alumni and seeing the camp’s history firsthand.
Scout Receives Congressional Award Gold Medal
Congratulations to Secaucus, New Jersey teen Jayden Altamura on earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor for youth presented by the U.S. Congress. A Scouting America alum, Jayden has built an impressive record of leadership, service, and achievement. He is a former co-captain of the Secaucus High School swim team and an active member and former president of Secaucus Cares, the student-led Student in Action club that supports the Hygiene Project.
Prepared Scouts Assist Injured Leader
Six Scouts from Troop 272 in Nashua, NH, stepped up during a hike on Mount Chocorua when an adult leader suffered a fractured ankle. The Scouts quickly assessed the situation, splinted the injury, and stabilized her until rescue teams arrived. Working alongside New Hampshire Fish and Game and Lakes Region Search and Rescue, they helped ensure a safe evacuation from more than three miles up the trail. Skills learned in Scouting, from first aid to teamwork under pressure, make a real difference when it matters most.