Two Local Boy Scouts Soar to Eagle

Andrew Doughan and David Partridge III earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to scouts, the Eagle Scout Award.  In order to earn the rank of Eagle Scout a scout must earn 21 merit badges, achieve seven ranks and successfully complete a community service project.  The Eagle Award is the culmination of the years spent as a Boy Scout mastering leadership positions, managing responsibilities and living by the Scout Oath and Law.  “To help other people at all times”, the third line of the Scout Oath, is the foundation of the service project chosen by each perspective Eagle Scout as they strive for excellence.

Andrew Doughan, son of Jim Doughan of Wayne, PA and Allison Bishof of Bryn Mawr, PA started on his trail to Eagle in 2011.  An enthusiastic Boy Scout, Andrew rose quickly through the ranks most recently holding the position of responsibility of Instructor.  Andrew enjoys teaching younger scouts basic scouting skills and shared his love of games by helping several scouts earn Game Design Merit Badge.  Andrew’s passion for games carried directly into his Eagle project.  The Main Line Unitarian Church was the beneficiary of a fully renovated Gaga Pit.  Gaga is a game similar to dodge ball played in an octagonal shaped ring.  With the help of fellow Troop 284 Boy Scouts Andrew disassembled, repaired, painted and reassembled the original Gaga Pit.  He also added a rubber mulch bed to the interior as well as a drainage pipe for water runoff.  ”I worked with a wonderful man named Robert ”Chris“ Christensen, member of Main Line Unitarian Church, an 86 year old war vet and Eagle Scout who was the most tremendous help.”   Andrew strengthened his leadership skills as well as learned the importance of preparation with his Eagle project.  He will be a freshman at Radnor High School in the fall.

David Partridge III, son of Janie and David Partridge Jr. of Wayne, PA started on his trail to Eagle in 007.  In the 6 1/2 years David was a Troop 284 Boy Scout he held many positions of responsibility, most recently Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.  A scout is appointed to this position by the Senior Patrol Leader with the consent f the Scoutmaster, having shown a history of outstanding leadership skills.  As Junior Assistant Scoutmaster David provided support and supervision to the other boys in the troop and carried out the assigned duties with the guidance of the Scoutmaster.  David’s Eagle Project, under the sponsorship of John Nystedt of the Delaware River Keeper’s Network, was to design and build six wood benches.  These benches were then placed in the Haddon Township Environmental Center of Camden County, NJ.  David financed the project with monetary donations and his own money.  He would like to thank the dedicated Troop 284 Boy Scouts and adult leaders that helped him plan, build and complete his Eagle Project.  “I learned about the importance of commitment and dedication and their applications in setting and completing goals.  I recognize scouting as part of my identity both now and in my future. “  David will be attending the University of Pittsburg in the fall.