Natalie Grove
Continuing a family tradition, Nicholas Tolman, 15, became an Eagle Scout Feb. 28 – three years after starting Scouting.
A high school freshman, Tolman received the highest rank achievable in Boy Scouting.
Becoming an Eagle Scout means “that they worked hard and are dedicated. It takes some time to do that,” Tolman said.
Scouting is a part of Tolman’s family tradition. Tolman’s father was also Eagle Scout, and his younger brother Ben recently joined the Cub Scouts.
At his father’s suggestion Tolman decided to build a wood chip track around the Sweet Home Charter School for his community project.
After many hours of organizing materials and volunteers the project went quickly. “It took a couple hours to lay it down,” Tolman said.
Tolman joined the Boy Scouts only three years ago and quickly worked through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life up to Eagle. It was a challenge, but he had encouragement along the way. “Both my parents helped a lot,” Tolman said.
Scouts can work to become an Eagle Scout up until they are 18. Twenty one badges of various sorts, character references and demonstration of living out the Scout’s Oath are required.
Tolman has 29 badges currently. Several of his badges took up to six months to earn. “Rock climbing was the funnest one,” Tolman said.
Photos courtesy of Nicholas Tollman
VOLUNTEERS spread wood chips on the Sweet Home Charter School playground as part of Nicholas Tolman’s Eagle Scout project.
As an Eagle Scout, Tolman is looking forward to more camping. “I like going on campouts,” he said.
His advice to other scouts working toward becoming an Eagle Scout is: “You have to know that it takes a lot of work. A lot of hard work and dedication.”