06/19/2026
Drake is having the time of his life at Summer camp this week at Owasippe in Michigan! He completed the 🏕 Camping merit badge, Leatherwork, Small Boat Sailing, and Rowing badges as well! He's also been able to go zip lining, horseback 🐎 riding, and Lake Tubing in his free time, which he hasn't had too much of, because he is our troop's current Senior Patrol Leader. He texted the other day to tell me how much he loves it there at Owasippe, and that he wants to be a Counselor in Training uo there next year.
He's grown so much this past year through Scouting. Drake has achieved the Life Rank, which is one rank below becoming an Eagle Scout! He has gained valuable public speaking 🔊, communication, and leadership skills as the SPL. The SPL performs the opening and closing flags ceremony at fellow scouts' Eagle Courts of Honor 🎖, and Drake had the pleasure of doing the ceremony for an Eagle Scout last week.
What a journey this has been for him, and for me, too, as I've become involved on the Troop committee, lead the popcorn fundraiser, and serve as Treasurer. We've met some great people through Scouting, and Drake is becoming a very well-rounded young man!
Oh, and he has his Eagle 🦅 project figured out, so it's now about how quickly he wants to execute and plan it. Drake is self-motivated in his Scouting career, and I've told him he doesn't have to rush; savor the journey and experiences. However, if he earns Eagle Scout within the next year or two, he can truly relax and enjoy all of the Troop activities and High Adventure trips he earns, without having to worry about completing certain merit badges until he's 18.
