How to Grow an Eagle Scout {7 Easy Steps}

Zachary salutes the US flag at his Eagle Court of Honor, held on his 18th birthday.

1

Begin with a rambunctious boy who loves adventures in the outdoors and reaching for the stars.

Cub Scouts Ryan, Zac, Canon, and AJ enjoy the muddy shores of Baker Lake, with Mt. Baker looming beyond (2003).

2008 hike on Galbraith Mountain with Zachary in charge of the crew as a den chief in action.

2

Add a uniform, an oath and law, teach him to live up to his promises, to be a patriot, 

and to be obedient to rightful authority.

Zachary in his new Cub Scout uniform (2001) sporting his first lost tooth.

3

Focus on his extracurricular interests and hobbies, encourage him to discover new ones and teach others.

Riding on two wheels, Zachary on his first bicycle (2000).

Zachary steers Peter along the length of Lanezi Lake on an 80 mile canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness (2011).

 4

Stay close to God and help him deepen his faith, grow in personal holiness and foster a servant's heart.

Zachary serves at the altar as acolyte on Easter Sunday 2011.

5

Explore the heights, but stay grounded in day to day requirements and chores; let him pack his own gear.

Zac crossing the Chilliwack River in style with AJ on our 50 mile hike in the North Cascades, 2008.

6

Encourage him to persevere and work diligently, connect him with virtuous mentors who can further his skills and help him fulfill his ambitions.

Zachary works on the historic carpentry merit badge with Mr. L as his guide, 2010.

7

Be his home base as he grows into a leader, pray unceasingly for him to realize and fulfill the unique mission for which he was created.

Zachary works on the roof of his Eagle {carport for our priests} project (2012).

Proud mama (Bridget), Eagle Scout (Zachary), Scoutmaster (Tim), First Class Scout (Peter), Life Scout (Joseph) 2012.

Congratulations on reaching Eagle Scout Rank, Zachary!



Now go visit Jen @ Conversion Diary for her hilarious 7 Quick Takes.

Male and Female {Created}

 FLASHBACK FRIDAY

AUGUST 2008

At Hannigan Pass, Zachary and I stopped to capture the moment after hiking our first mile on a 50 mile trek across three passes and over to our destination: Ross Lake.

Ok, so Zachary didn't really want a photo of himself being kissed by mom... but I was thrilled that he had hiked back a mile to carry my pack that last bit of the way.

Zachary crossing

Descending Whatcom Pass, heading for Beaver Pass

Very happy to see Tim, and even happier to let him carry my pack the final 4 miles out

After a 43 mile, 4 night hiking adventure; and a 4 night canoe camping adventure, our family was reunited on Ross Lake.

One of my best memories from the 50 mile hike with Zachary and his friends and their mom was the day that Tim and the boys (and the other half of the other family) hiked in several miles from their canoe campsite on Ross Lake to hike out with us.

Was Tim ever a sight for sore eyes!  Of course I was happy to see Joseph and Peter, but seeing Tim was like a seeing a light at the end of the tunnel!  He immediately offered to carry my pack and I gladly agreed.  I know there was a time in my life when I would have flatly refused such a gentlemanly offer for the sake of proving my own strength or independence.  But I humbly accepted his offer and I felt so loved and cared for (and light) on that hike out.

Such a simple gift, but so meaningful.

On day 3, near the summit of Beaver Pass, Zac (then 14) had hiked back down about a mile (after reaching camp and setting down his own gear) to offer to carry my pack.  I tried to kiss him I was so happy.  The kiss part didn't work out, but the bid to relieve me of the weight of the load for the final mile was a winner.  The gratitude in my heart made that last mile a breeze.

I fondly remembered these moments from the summer of 2008 after an incident at Costco...

While shopping at Costco yesterday, I stopped to sample some Brie on crackers with topped with spicy goo.   The sample lady couldn't open the can of goo, and when I spotted her male associate approaching I suggested that she let him open it for her.

Not so fast!  She was clearly not willing to relinquish the task, and instead tried stabbing the lid with her knife to get it open.

Again I proposed, "Let him open it for you." 

He took it and opened it easily and wandered back to whatever he was doing.

She said, "I was determined to open it, I didn't want him to have to open it for me!"

I replied, "I say just hand it to the guy and stand back and watch him work!"

Questioningly, she asked, "That's all they're good for?"

"No," I explained, "That's what they're made for!"

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