7/24/07 Working Toward Eagle Scout at Skymont.

Yesterday I introduced you to a Boy Scout summer camp just west of Altamont, where thousands of young men attend each summer. Not only do the scouts have plenty of outdoor fun, but many are working on the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, an achievement that can change a boy's life.

James Hulgan, Eagle Scout and Camp Director:"It's made me the person I am today and I hope it teaches values and ethics and help accomplish life long goals they set in mind. Nobody can take that away from you."

Boy Scout summer camps like Skymont, allow young men to work on merit badges and gain the performance-based achievements required to reach the organization's highest rank of Eagle Scout. According to the Boy Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle has a special significance, not only in Scouting but also entering higher education, business, and community service.

"Its Tough to get but it's a great accomplishment. I hope it teaches values and ethics and accomplishes the goals they have in mind. Usually when you get out of high school, that is as far as it goes, when you come up here and the learn stuff at this camp, or any other, you take away something you will have forever"

Forever is correct, to this date, I am honored to have reached the rank of Eagle at fifteen, just as my father did. Most of the hard work was done at a similar Boy Scout camp learning as many have for a hundred years.

Dave Strieby, Eagle Scout and Program Director: "We still install in these boys the same traditions that were started way back then, be courteous, kind, and help people at all times"

Learning these ethics was just as big of a goal years ago as it is for today's scouts.

Zane Frey Atlanta Boy Scout:"How long do you plan to stay in scouts? Till I am 18 and become an Eagle. Why? So I can make lots of money and learn stuff too."

Michael Wiess Jasper, TN Scout: "why are you in Boy Scouts? Because I think it would be a good experience for me"

Brandon Hookey Jasper, TN Scout: "What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you? It means I have achieved Boy Scouts, I've done good"

For more information on joining the Boy or Cub Scouts. click here. or visit:

Cherokee Area (TN) Council
6031 Lee Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37421-2930
Phone: (423) 892-8323

More information on the Rank of Eagle Scout. click here

See you soon,

Brian