Troop 315 Scouts Leave Lasting Legacy at Pin Hook Park to Earn Scouting’s Highest Honor
By: Hannah Chatterton, The Forgottonia Times
Photos courtesy of Scoutmaster Gary Douglas. L to R: Gavin Douglas, Mason Harwood, and Josh Selmon
The coveted rank of Eagle Scout is a distinction achieved by only 4% of Boy Scouts nationwide, and now, three members of Boy Scout Troop 315 in Macomb can proudly count themselves among that elite group. Gavin Douglas, Mason Harwood, and Josh Selmon recently passed their Eagle Board of Review, the final milestone in their journey to Scouting’s highest honor.
“All three scouts started their journey in elementary school and are now in high school. They have worked hard and overcome many hardships on their path,” said Gary Douglas, Scoutmaster of Troop 315. “All three are looked up to within the troop and set a great example for the younger scouts.”
Earning the Eagle rank is no small feat. Scouts must demonstrate sustained commitment and leadership by being active in their troop as a Life Scout for at least six months, completing 21 merit badges (14 of which are required), holding leadership positions, and planning and executing a significant service project. These requirements must be fulfilled before their 18th birthday.
Gavin, Mason, and Josh exemplified these qualities in their leadership roles within Troop 315 and their community service projects, which brought tangible improvements to Pin Hook Park in Industry. Mason replaced the stage flooring, Josh repaired benches and picnic tables, and Gavin added a wheelchair ramp to the stage, making the park more accessible to all.
The boys standing in Pin Hook Park with their projects. L to R: Josh (repaired benches and picnic tables), Mason (replaced the stage floor), and Gavin (added a wheelchair ramp)
The Eagle Board of Review is a rigorous evaluation, where scouts face a panel of two or more adult leaders unaffiliated with their troop. The review is an opportunity for scouts to reflect on their Scouting journey and articulate the lessons they’ve learned along the way. The panel interviews each individual to gauge their Scouting experience, leadership roles, and the fulfillment of their Eagle Scout project. The Board of Review for the boys was completed on December 19.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor is planned for April, a ceremony that symbolizes the culmination of years of effort and dedication put in by the young men and recognizes them for their achievements.
“I have seen all three of these boys grow from a young scout to now leaders in the Troop,” said Douglas. The achievements of Gavin, Mason, and Josh highlight the core values of Troop 315 and the broader Scouting movement. Leadership, service, and character development are at the heart of the program. Two of the boys attended the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) last summer, and one served as a Counselor in Training (CIT) at Camp Loud Thunder, further solidifying their roles as leaders among their peers.
“Leadership is one of the key points in Scouting and one of the only places young boys can learn these skills that will help them the rest of their lives,” Douglas said.
As these young men prepare for the next chapter in their lives, the lessons they’ve learned as Eagle Scouts will undoubtedly guide and equip them, leaving a legacy of excellence and service for Troop 315 to follow.