BUCHANAN, Mich., Feb. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Teen Emily Long will make history on February 1st, 2021 when she is set to become one of the nation's first female Eagle Scouts – a prestigious achievement attained by some of the country's most noteworthy figures. Emily is among hundreds of young women who will make up the Inaugural Class of female Eagle Scouts.
"Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and perseverance, and we are honored to recognize Emily for this significant accomplishment," said LaSalle Council Scout executive, John Cary. "Along the journey to Eagle Scout, young people gain new skills, learn to overcome obstacles and demonstrate leadership among their peers and in their communities. These benefits are invaluable for everyone, and we are thrilled that they are now available to even more youth."
Young women have been part of Scouting for decades in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), including Sea Scouts, Venturing, Exploring and STEM Scouts. The BSA expanded that legacy further in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts and then into Scouts BSA last February 2020. Scouts BSA is the program for youth ages 11 to 17 previously known as Boy Scouts. Since then, tens of thousands of young women throughout northern Indiana and southwest Michigan and across the country have joined the organization's most iconic program with many, including Emily, working their way toward the rank of Eagle Scout.
Emily Long stated "I joined Scouts, BSA to have fun while learning new things, create lifelong friendships, and to inspire other women to strive for their aspirations. From this experience I was able to gain self-confidence, communication strategies, as well as priceless memories."
Eagle Scout is the program's highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve on average. To earn it, an individual has to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business and the environment; and they must research, organize and complete a large community service project.
Emily's Eagle Scout project is about natural water conservation and erosion prevention. The project is to clean out parts of Buchanan Michigan's local creeks. The project has improved the amount of water going into the local mill and the treatment facility. This conservation project also will the limit the of erosion and attempt to direct water to the center of the creeks in Buchanan MI.
John Cary continued, "Eagle Scout projects, such as Emily's project with her conservation work, are designed to enrich the local community now and into the future. All Eagle Scout projects require the Scout to raise necessary funds, volunteer engagement and manage the project from beginning to end."
In addition to gaining skills that last a lifetime, individuals who earn the esteemed Eagle Scout rank can reference it for academic, vocational, and military recognition, including scholarships and advanced enlistment grade.
About the LaSalle Council: The LaSalle Council is one of the largest local youth organizations serving 8 counties of Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. The LaSalle Council provides character and leadership development to more than 4,000 youth and adult leaders based on the tenets found in the Scout Oath and Law.
For more information on the LaSalle Council, Boy Scouts of America, please visit http://www.lasallecouncilbsa.org.
Photo credits: Sarah Culton, Leader Publications
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SOURCE LaSalle Council
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