YAMAGUCHI, Japan - The Boy Scouts of America Troop 77 hosted Court of Honor ceremonies at Yujo Hall here July 31, 2012.
The Court of Honor ceremonies featured Troop 77 Scouts’ achievements from May to July.
Zackery D. Lewis, Troop 77 Eagle Scout, was awarded his current rank. Seven Scouts received promotions and a total of 10 Scouts took home approximately 40 awards.
“This is an exceptionally high amount of awards earned by these Scouts,” said Andrew J. McDermott, Troop 77 Scout master. “Going to summer camp really helped earn merit badges, but also doing a lot of work back home helped too.”
For Lewis, getting promoted to the highest rank in just two and a half years can be considered a great accomplishment.
“I’ve been in Boy Scouts for almost three years now and it’s great to see my efforts culminate into this advancement,” said Lewis.
Attending campouts, earning merit badges and assisting with volunteer efforts aboard station moved Lewis closer to becoming an Eagle Scout.
“I helped out during the disaster-relief efforts last year and that really made me feel like I’m making a difference and a positive change in society,” said Lewis.
The Scouts watched proudly as one of their own was awarded the highest rank in their organization.
“When you get them thinking, breathing and living Scouts, then they become Eagles,” said McDermott. “When you see an Eagle, you know they have leadership experience. They can take charge of a group of people and make good decisions.”
The week-long campouts Troop 77 attended encouraged independence, leadership and social-skills building experiences.
“I think most importantly for Scouts, it teaches our kids to be independent,” said McDermott. “We’re teaching them cooking skills, how to plan for a camping trip and how to be leaders. I guide and direct them. They are the ones who accomplish everything.”
Founded Feb. 8, 1910, the BSA adopted a mission instilling ethical and moral values in all its members. More than 110 million Americans have participated in the BSA since 1910, according to the BSA’s website, www.scouting.org.
“If a Scout attains the rank of Eagle, he will get promoted to private first class in boot camp,” said McDermott. “The Scouts bolster physical fitness, and the military recognizes the hard work Scouts do. I think being a Scout helped me to become a Marine.”