Local Eagle Scouts share experience as Scouting America turns 115

A well-known Scouting organization is celebrating its 115th birthday with an official name change.

The Boy Scouts became Scouting America on Feb. 8. The planned name change was announced last spring as part of an effort to be more inclusive after the organization started allowing girls to join its ranks.

Maggie Krause, who has been involved with the organization for six years, earned her Eagle Scout by making signs at Corby Pond sharing facts about native and invasive species in the area. Krause worked for three months organizing volunteers to complete the award. After her hard work, Krause said friendship is the most important part of scouting.

“Since scouting is something you can do for the rest of your career, there are people that you can always connect with and always be close with,” Krause said. “They’re some of my closest friends.”

Leading by example, Anthony Russell, a scout of 10 years earned his Eagle Scout as well and Russell built free libraries for local churches and did a book drive to stock them. In addition to his project, Russell is a camp Geiger staffer.

“I am on camp Geiger staff and it’s probably one of the most incredible experiences because there’s so many people there that I’m friends with and then teaching the kids, it’s just so rewarding,” Russell said.

While some think scouting is irrelevant to the era, Krause said it’s not and has stood the test of time.

“All of the content in scouting is constantly evolving and changing and keeping up with the times,” Krause said. “There’s always stuff you can learn from.”

Alan Franks, Scout Executive, explained that scouting is not just about camping. He emphasized that being part of the official Scouting America organization motivates young people to get involved.

“There’s over 120 merit badges,” Franks said. “The young person can experience a little or a lot and introduce themselves to a new career or hobby. I think just seeing that evolve in young people and the power of giving back to the community is a personal takeaway.”

Obtaining the highest honor, both scouts have worked countless hours and to them, it’s proof that Scouting America motivates this generation.

“Being an Eagle Scout means being a good leader in your community holding yourself to a higher standard and being a positive influence around others,” Russell said.