A Georgia Girl in Germany

The last week of school, Zachary’s Boy Scout troop held its semi-annual Court of Honor, where they recognize the scouts for their accomplishments during the preceding six months. Zachary was first called up with other scouts from his patrol (same grade in school) and presented his Railroading Merit Badge. He worked on most of this badge with Uncle Sam last summer when we visited Georgia. I wish I had been able to go with them out to the Rice Yard where Uncle Sam works to see and learn about the trains there! Zachary finished up the merit badge by going on a historic train ride (the Öchsle Bahn, see this post) and visiting the Merklingen Train Museum (watch for a later post).

Once all the merit badge presentations had been made, his patrol -- the Mohawks -- was called up to be recognized for earning the National Honor Patrol Award. This is a fairly prestigious award that requires several accomplishments to earn. The troop Scoutmaster commented that in his 24 years of scouting, this patrol was the first one that he’s seen earn the award (he’s pointing out where the award is to be worn on the scout uniform). Some of the requirements for this award include holding at least two patrol meetings every month (in addition to the weekly troop meetings), participating in at least one hike, outdoor activity, or other scouting event and performing two service projects approved by the patrol leaders' council. I was very impressed that a group of sixth graders had the desire and determination to earn this award!

Zachary was also recognized for being elected Den Chief for the next rotation of leadership positions. Unfortunately, since we’re moving, he won’t have an opportunity to perform those duties here since it requires him to work with a Cub Scout Webelos den (fourth and/or fifth grade Cub Scouts) as a junior leader and assistant to the den leadership. Hopefully he’ll have an opportunity for a leadership position shortly after we move to Ramstein.

Finally, and to correct an oversight, he was recognized for advancing from Second Class Scout to First Class Scout. He actually met his Board of Review and advanced back in January, but since that was two weeks after the last troop Court of Honor, this was when he was recognized in front of the entire troop. One tradition that the Scoutmaster points out during each advancement is for the scouts to “pin” their mothers with a miniature pin of their new rank and give them kisses. I like that tradition, and he always grins when his back is turned to the audience as he gives me a (quick) kiss. I suppose it’s not so bad since everyone else has to do likewise when it’s their turns.

Since we’re getting ready to move, he’s been working to make sure all his records are in order (which will be especially important when he goes up for Eagle Scout). He’s already completed the documentation for seven additional merit badges he’s completed in the past six months, and will have them mailed to us at the end of the summer. He’s also set a goal of achieving Eagle Scout rank at a younger age than his dad did. He has three years -- and three ranks -- to go.

Labels: Boy Scouts, Zachary