By Ezra Mann
For anyone seeking a sense of hope in the current generation, they need look no further than the Boy Scouts of America.
This has been a theme that has held strong in the organization for 100 years, which is something Pauls Valley resident and Eagle Scout Dylan Brumley, 16, said he is proud to continue. A member of Troop #73, he earned the top rank on September 29 last year after 21 merit badges and assisting fellow scouts on a project to improve through repairs the Washita Valley Nature Park. He also earned his way into the Order of the Arrow.
Brumley joined the troop when he was 11 years old and was inspired to go the distance after he saw a friend of the family earn his eagle rank. He said that over the years he has enjoyed learning important skills from campfire building to leadership, which he now uses for new troop recruits and he enjoyed going to places like Camp Simpson.
“Being away and getting out of town, running around and earning merit badges was a lot of fun,” added Brumley.
The adult assisted project has provided the final step in the eagle rank for Brumley and his fellow scouts, Steven Brown, Conner Lucas and sometime this year for Scott Darbison. Brumley’s role focused on helping put in place the nature park’s new sign and putting a fresh coat of paint on the parking rails.
Brumley said his parents and grandparents have been especially proud of his achievements and going as far as he did with it. He said they were impressed that he showed the initiative as well as effort.
When he is not in scouts, Brumley said he likes spending time with his friends and family as well as just being a high school kid. He said he plans on continuing efforts with the troop through mentoring and showing new kids the ropes.
“I can navigate, read a map very well and all that kind of stuff,” said Brumley. “All the trips that I went on in the summers were so much fun... I probably never would have got to experience what I did if I weren’t in scouts.”
