Scouting: Four earn Eagle awards

EAST PEMBROKE — James Kutter and Billy Gerych were both just 6 years old when they became Tiger Cubs with Pack 64.

A dozen years later, the duo — as Scouts with Troop 6064 in East Pembroke — were presented the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts of America. They were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on Jan. 9 at the Holy Name of Mary Church.

Nationwide, only 2 percent of scouts receive the Eagle Scout Award. To become an Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn merit badges in at least 21 different subject areas, as well as plan and carry out an Eagle service project before they turn the age of 18.

This past summer, Kutter completed an Eagle Scout project that he hopes will preserve the purple martin bird in New York state.  The purple martins suffered a severe population crash and are now extremely dependent on birdhouses to survive. Kutter planned and implemented a project at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, which involved building birdhouses with specifications to attract and nest purple martins.

Many volunteers from Troop 64 and small local businesses helped with this project, Kutter said.

Last winter, Gerych planned and conducted his Eagle Project that benefited the Holy Name of Mary church hall which is Troop 6064’s charter organization. The project included building a new serving station to replace the existing one, refinishing the kitchen’s cupboards, other improvements to the rest of the kitchen, fixing the sliding-track doors on the dish cupboard and building a second set of steps for the hall’s platform.

Gerych’s project required lots of time, resources and help which he received from his troop, friends and family.

Kutter currently attends Boston University, where he is pursuing a double major in anthropology and economics. Gerych attends Genesee Community College, working towards a degree in physical therapy.

Oakfield Scout overhauled park

OAKFIELD — Ryan Boyle of Troop 6019 in Oakfield was recently presented with the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.

Reaching the rank of Eagle Scout has seven requirements, including leadership experience, earning at least 21 merit badges, and planning and completing a service project that benefits an organization outside of Scouting.

A Court of Honor was held at the Oakfield Rod and Gun Club. Assemblyman  Steven Hawley attended the ceremony and presented a state Assembly citation to Boyle.

Jamboree arena show wins Excellence in Live ... - Bryan on Scouting

Rappers Jay-Z and Eminem, the musical “Promises, Promises,” and the Boy Scouts of America.

An odd trio, sure, but they all have one thing in common: They’re among the winners of the fourth annual Excellence in Live Design Awards , handed out last week.

The rappers won for Best Concert, the musical snagged Best Theater Production, and the BSA won Best Corporate Event for its 100th Anniversary show at last summer’s national Scout jamboree.

The show, called “A Shining Light Across America,” was full of unforgettable moments for the 72,000 in attendance and hundreds of thousands watching at home.

Last month, I asked you to cast your vote for the winner, and I’d like to think that it was your votes that helped put the BSA’s big show over the top.

Major kudos to the staff and volunteers who worked the event and to CorporateMagic, the production company behind it all.

Speaking of, if you haven’t read this behind-the-scenes article about the technical wizardry it took to put on the show, it’s worth your time.

(Thanks to Patrick Adams for the tip.