THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 Page 3 ~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~ Saugus’s newest Eagle Scout David Woodworth discusses the journey that “made me the person I am today” S unday marks the 111th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America and the beginning of Boy Scout Anniversary Week, so for this week’s column we decided to interview the latest town resident to reach scouting’s highest honor. David Woodworth, of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 61, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after passing his Board of Review last month. Woodworth, 18, the son of Sandra and Glen Woodworth, of Saugus, is a senior in the carpentry shop at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield. He has been a member of Troop 61 of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Saugus since the third grade, when he started as a Cub Scout. He worked his way up through the ranks of scouting, completing the 21 required merit badgWhen I think back, I hated stuff like camping and doing activities. I was generally a shy person. Q: So, it’s helped you to become a more confident person who got involved in all sorts of activities where you had a chance to meet other people and grow? A: Yes. That’s it. I developed self-confidence and leadership skills that I didn’t have. Q: So, as you look back, what is your biggest accomplishment in scouting? Earning the Eagle badge? ASKS | SEE PAGE 4 EYE ON THE EAGLE: David Woodworth, of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 61, passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review last month. But he says he will probably wait several months so three other troop members can share a court of honor with him. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) SCOUTING’S HIGHEST HONOR: A few months from now, an Eagle Scout badge similar to this one will be pinned on the uniform of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 61 member David Woodworth, who recently passed his Board of Review for the award. The bronze palm on the ribbon stands for five additional merit badges over the 21 required for Eagle Scout. Having earned 26 merit badges, Woodworth is eligible for his first palm. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) PROJECT COMPLETED: For his Eagle Scout community service project, David Woodworth of Boy Scout Troop 61 led a work crew of 21 people who restored the playground at Camp Denison in Georgetown, Mass., by rebuilding the sandbox and refurbishing the swing set. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) es, participating in community service, organizing a Life Scout Project to improve the grounds around St. John’s Church and, finally, leading an Eagle Scout community service project at Camp Denison in Georgetown. David planned and organized a major restoration to the playground at Camp Denison by rebuilding the sandbox and refurbishing the swing set, making it safer and cleaner for future campers to enjoy. In addition to his years participating in scouting, David worked as scout staff at T.L. Storer campground in Barnstead, N.H., during the summers of 2018 and 2019. He also attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 2017 at The Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilderness of West Virginia with other scouts from around the country. He has earned 26 merit badges, five more than required, which qualifies him for a bronze palm to be attached to the ribbon of his Eagle badge. He is currently a junior assistant scoutmaster of Troop 61 after serving previously as Troop Guide and Senior Patrol Leader. He is also an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow (Pennacook Lodge), an elite organization that is considered scouting’s National Honor Society and recognizes experienced Scout campers. Highlights of this week’s interview follow. Q: What attracted you to Scouting and how many years have you been involved? A: They passed out the flyer for Cub Scouts when I was in elementary school, back in the third grade. My mom had tried to get me to join for a little while, so one day I told her “Mom, I want to join Pack 61,” and she called up the lady who ran the pack. That was about nine years ago. I’ve been a member of Troop 61 since about April of 2014. Q: What’s the most important thing that you have gotten out of scouting? A: Probably my own personal development. I would not be the person I am today without scouting. It’s helped me to get out of my shell and do things I never thought about doing. SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657
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