Laguna Junior Ian Brown Soars to Eagle Scout

When he was in the second grade, Ian started his 10-year journey in the cub scouts at Montecito’s Troop 33, under Scout Master Dave Cantin. This week, he was awarded the highest rank in Boys Scouts of America—Eagle Scout—a rank attained by only 4 percent of Boy Scouts. The rigorous requirements necessary to achieve this accomplishment of Eagle takes years to fulfill.

Still, reaching Eagle is considered among the most treasured achievements according to most Eagle Scouts and, of course, their parents who are along for the ride—supporting and encouraging their child and the rest of the Scouts on camping trips, hikes, earning their merit badges, community service projects, and Scout fundraisers. Parents help set deadlines, timelines, and goals to keep their Scout on track to earn a minimum 21 merit badges, necessary for Eagle rank. Among the badges required include:

· Camping

· Citizenship in the Community

· Citizenship in the Nation

· Citizenship in the World

· Communication

· Cooking

· Cycling or hiking

· Lifesaving or Emergency Preparedness

· Environmental Science or Sustainability

· Family Life

· First Aid

· Personal Fitness

· Personal Management

· Swimming

After achieving all the required merit badges, Ian set out to complete his Eagle Scout Service Project, which demonstrates leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of his community. His project involved the installation of proper hooks or coat racks at local Cleveland Elementary School. Removing the existing rusty nails, sanding, and replacing them with new and improved acrylic hooks took Ian and three other Scouts about two weeks to complete.

Read more about Ian's experience below:

My favorite memory of Boy Scouts would probably be a nine-day backpacking trip we did in the Sierras. It was an unforgettable experience, and I saw scenery that looked like it was ripped from the set of a movie.

There were certainly a few moments where I felt like I could quit, especially when I was around halfway through the program because there was still so much I had left to do. I remained mostly because I really enjoyed being at the meetings and campouts, and because of the support from my family and scoutmaster. I would tell anyone who might feel discouraged throughout the process that once it is over, you feel so accomplished that it makes any hardship that would dissuade you from finishing worth it. It’s such a great feeling to know you worked through so many obstacles yourself.

I will probably continue to be as active as I can in the troop, at least regarding campouts, whether they be weeklong ones like Sierra trips or just short weekend hikes to our local backcountry.

The Boy Scouts is a really valuable organization, and it has given me so many valuable experiences and memories that I never would have had without it. I really encourage anyone interested to give it a try.

I would say both of my parents were hugely influential in this process, as well as the two Scoutmasters that served during my time in the troop—Dave Cantin and Telford Work. They all worked so hard to keep me motivated and on track during this experience.

Congratulations on this impressive achievement, Ian!