Through hard work, time, and commitment, most times there is reward, and in some cases, there are several.

For senior Eagle Scouts Kevin Hurley, Jimmy Harlan, and Christopher Steibel, earning several badges through Scouting was their reward. Earning each of the badges may have taken a lot of hard work, but Hurley, Harlan, and Steibel agree working to gain the badges was a step closer to making each of the boys the Eagle Scouts they are today.

“[My favorite badge was] the Archery Badge because I find it a lot of fun to go shooting, and I just like the sport,” Hurley said. “I have two bows at home and I just shoot in my yard.”

Hurley may have hit a bull’s eye with archery, but Harlan got physical to earn his badge.

“[My favorite badge] was the Physical Fitness Badge because you have to improve over time and you can kind of see your actual progression,” Harlan said. “It shows how you’re actually capable of changing.”

Like Harlan, Steibel’s favorite badge regards change, but with the help of others.

“My favorite badge to earn was the Tracking Merit Badge,” Steibel said. “It was a merit badge that existed when the Scouts were first founded, but was later discontinued. One summer it was re-released and a bunch of the guys worked together to earn it.”

The dedication for each badge has shaped each of the boys into the Eagle Scout they are today and helps them encourage others to join Scouting.

“I would definitely encourage people to join Scouting,” Steibel said. “It was one the best experiences in my entire life thus far. It helped to shape me into the person I am today, and it has set me up for success in the future.”