Scouting Alumni

Well done, Palmetto Council Troop 255.

Scouting America | Prepared. For Life.™

York County scout troop rescues man in Pennsylvania river Tyler Strong says his Scouting instincts immediately kicked in.

Will Reinart spent eight years pursuing his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout while battling leukemia, enduring treatments, surgeries, and extended hospital stays.

Despite his health challenges, he remained determined, participating in Scouting whenever possible and inspiring those around him with his courage and perseverance. His mentor, Gary Waldon, supported Will throughout his journey and worked to find ways for him to continue toward Eagle, even when completing a traditional service project was not possible.

Although Will passed away before completing all the requirements, his family and Scouting leaders believe he demonstrated the character, determination, and spirit of an Eagle Scout through the way he lived. His story continues to inspire others to live fully, help others, and make the most of every opportunity.

Read more using the link in the comments section.

Wake Forest, North Carolina, Troop 5 celebrated its 100th anniversary with about 150 Scouts, alumni, families, and community members. The troop has produced 145 Eagle Scouts and now serves about 50 Scouts. The celebration honored longtime alumni, community partners, and the generations of volunteers who helped build the troop.

Congratulations to Troop 5 on 100 years of Scouting!

Troop 5 marks its centennial with alumni, community partners... Wake Forest Troop 5 celebrated its 100th anniversary with about 150 Scouts, alumni and neighbors, honoring partners and reflecting on 145 Eagle Scouts.

Darrell Charboneau knows he is dying, but he still shows up for Scouts.

At 76 and living with terminal cancer, Darrell has spent more than five decades giving back to Scouting and helping young people discover the outdoors. Since 1972, he has led at the Pine Bend Association’s Birch Bend campgrounds in Minnesota, where he continues to teach archery and outdoor skills. He also helped create the “College of Wilderness Knowledge,” giving Scouts opportunities to learn about nature, outdoor skills, and Native cultures.

His philosophy is simple: “Keep moving. And stay connected. Keep meeting people. Keep going.”

https://www.twincities.com/2026/09/27/beaten-all-the-odds-so-far-retired-maplewood-man-fights-to-live-and-travel/

‘Beaten all the odds so far’: Retired Maplewood man fights to live — and travel Darrell Charboneau has completed his tour of all 50 states with a walk on the sandy beaches of Hawaii — “my 50th state was the 50th state” — and every Canadian province minus one (Newfoundland). He’s been to…

Scouting's impact is evident in how young people apply leadership, perseverance, and service to the challenges and opportunities in their lives.

Scout Sam Wimberly of Effingham County, Georgia, was born with a severe congenital heart defect and has undergone two open-heart surgeries, yet he continued to participate in his high school marching band, excel academically, and earn the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout service project, Sam built more than a dozen benches for the Effingham County High School Rebel Regiment, inspired by his need for a place to rest during demanding practices. The benches will serve generations of band members and reflect the initiative and commitment to service he developed through Scouting.

https://www.wjcl.com/article/effingham-county-teen-defies-the-odds-and-builds-a-legacy/73845156

Effingham County teen defies the odds and builds a legacy Sam Wimberly leaves his mark on the Rebel Regiment with gift of handmade benches

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From Eagle Scout to Blacksmith: Matthew Combs Keeps a 900-Degree Craft Alive

Eagle Scout Matthew Combs runs Eagle's Nest Forge at the Old Hampton Store in Linville, North Carolina, a name he chose in honor of his years in Scouting. His path into blacksmithing traces back to his Scouting days, where a good pocketknife sparked an early fascination with blades that he carried through middle school sketchbooks and into adulthood.

After studying outdoor recreation at Lees-McRae College, Combs taught himself smithing basics from books before joining a guild affiliated with the Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America and completing training at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

Today, Eagle's Nest Forge produces blades, jewelry, and home goods, and hosts live demonstrations and hands-on classes, including sessions for local Scout troops working toward their metalworking merit badge. Combs recently welcomed Troop 157 for merit badge instruction, giving Scouts hands-on experience forging their own keepsakes.

Beyond the forge, Combs volunteers with Youth With a Mission, spending part of each year in Japan pairing blacksmithing and woodworking instruction with community outreach. Proceeds from his ironwork help fund these mission trips.

"I kind of consider myself a missionary first, and then a blacksmith second," Combs said. A fitting reflection of the values Scouting helped instill early on.

Read his story at the link in the comments.

Photo: Scouting America

Today is National Public Lands Day.

At the 2026 National Jamboree in West Virginia, the BLM’s Conservation Trail drew about 4,492 Scouts and featured interactive exhibits, including an inflatable cave and hands-on lessons in outdoor ethics and natural resource management. The event also launched Scouting America’s new Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge, connecting youth to conservation careers and stewardship opportunities.

A link to learn more is in the comments section.

Photo: Scouting America

Cub Scout Cameron Scharfbillig has been awarded Scouting America's prestigious "Honor Medal," one of the organization's rarest honors, given only for acts of heroism at real personal risk. Since 1924, fewer than 2,400 Honor Medals have ever been awarded.

Last year, at just 7 years old, Cameron swam through six feet of water to rescue a girl he saw drowning at the bottom of a pool. His quick action and bravery likely saved her life and earned him this rare recognition from Scouting America.

Scouting America's motto is "Prepared. For Life." For Cameron, that preparation meant being ready the moment it mattered most, and it made all the difference for a young girl he didn't hesitate to save.

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/minnesota-boy-receives-rare-honor-for-saving-kids-life/

Minnesota boy receives rare honor for saving kid's life Cub Scout Cameron Scharfbillig now proudly wears Scouting America's prestigious "Honor Medal" on his chest.

The Sagamore Council of Scouting America honored alums Amy and Nick Pate with its annual Distinguished Citizen Award Thursday night, recognizing their outstanding service to the Kokomo community and to Scouting America.

The Pates first got involved when their son joined Scouting. Though he has since graduated from the program, the couple has remained active supporters. Amy has contributed through organizations like the Community Foundation of Howard County and her role as executive vice president of the Realtors Association of Central Indiana. Nick has served in nearly every level of Scouting leadership, including council program chair and council president.

"The Distinguished Citizen Award is really just honoring people from our community that have given a ton — not only their time, energy and effort, but their resources," said Alan Parks, Scout executive and CEO.

Learn more:

https://www.kokomotribune.com/across_indiana/scouting-american-sagamore-council-presents-the-distinguished-citizen-award-thursday-night/article_8ccc720f-3dac-4e51-9c74-8a556ffea2e0.html

Scouting American Sagamore Council presents the Distinguished Citizen Award Thursday night “Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”