I must first thank all family, friends, fellow scouts, and leaders – for joining me on this special occasion. It’s been a long road of many years, and without your support – I would not be here tonight.
At this time I feel it appropriate to relate one of my fondest Scouting memories.
Learning to Reach Deep
The plan was to camp overnight at the Ludow Cabin on the Rubicon trail in Tahoe. We would ride eight miles in snow cat machines to the cabin, and then be carried back home the following day – after we’d tested our skills in Tahoe’s “winter wonderland.” Unbeknownst until we arrived at the trailhead, we soon found that there weren’t enough seats in the snowcats. My father and I volunteered to hike the eight miles up to the cabin. Our hike began, as we sadly watched the others ride away in cushy snowcats, and we slowly slipped into a state of delirium. I remember my father mentioning I had nice, juicy calves that looked rather tasty – as we trudged our way up steep hills and through heavy snow. We arrived – and enjoyed our night at the cabin.
The next day, as it was time to hop in the snowcats and get whisked back to our vehicles – the news was broken to us that the snowcats weren’t coming. We had to hike back out. Here we were – a motley crew of twenty Boy Scouts, finding our way down the trail. Much against the Scout motto, we weren’t really prepared. I recall sleds strapped hazardously with hundred pound duffle bags, much too many clothes for comfort, and a myriad of footwear. Some were wearing snow board boots, some hiking boots, and others – a combination of boots and plastic bags.
Along the trail, we carried one another’s burdens. Those who were more prepared physically helped others by carrying a double load. Leaders were wearing not one, but two backpacks. And words of encouragement were spread amongst the group. Now that I look back – this display of kindness and compassion is exactly what Scouting stands for. As it says in the Scout Oath, we must help other people at all times. Joseph Smith once said, “If my life is of no value to my friends, then it is of no value to me.”
Learning to Serve Others
Scouting, as I’ve learned – offers many benefits and advantages in preparing oneself for life. Social skills are developed, hobbies and sports learned, and time management and planning learned. In order to practice these abilities, Scouts are required to perform an Eagle Scout Service project.
Over the years I’ve often enjoyed spending time at the Colfax library, so naturally, I decided to perform a service project for the library. Gunda, the Library Manager, and I – decided there were currently two needs. Book and shelf cleaning, and a display case for personal collections. I would like to give a special thanks to Gunda, the Colfax Librarians, and the friends of the library. If you’re here, please stand for applause. Also – for my grandfather in helping to construct the display case, Michael Platte and my brother for their constant help, and to any others involved in any way. The latest display at the library, which can now be seen, is a collection of antique books.
Before I mention my chosen mentors, I’d like thank my leaders for helping me to get to this point in my life, and Scouting achievements. Bishop Widmer, Scott Schmuhl, Colby Eller, Fred Jones, Fred Carry, and many, many more. It also wouldn’t be appropriate for me not to mention my Mother, who has helped me beyond words – and hers and Stephanie Fowler’s ability to plan this incredible Court of Honor.
My first mentor, is Dennis Kyler, my grandfather. Over the years I’ve been able to spend many camping trips and merit badges with “Poppy”, as we call him. He’s helped me to continue my Scouting career, and lately – has been an incredible help in my Eagle Project, by building, and storing – the library display case. Last year, as I decided to take up tennis, Poppy was also there to spend many days at the tennis courts – coaching me. Thank you, Poppy. [present pin]
As a second mentor, I chose someone very special to me. Chris Hollingsworth, My Dad. It might be odd to see a father receive a Scouting pin, but I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of having my Dad as my Scoutmaster for many years of my Scouting. He’s pushed me to be the best that I can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend countless hours hiking, fishing, biking, triathlon-ing, golfing, mushing, and Scouting with him. We’ve crossed icy streams, gazed at the stars, ridden our bikes for miles and miles – and he’s almost been tempted to eat me, once or twice. Thank you, Dad. [present pin]
Thank you all, once more, for your overwhelming support.
