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Scouting runs in the family

Robert Stern

Alex Matzinger is poised to join the ranks of Eagle Scouts before him, but he is also hot on the trail of his older brothers.

The Eagle Scout is the most prestigious rank in the Boy Scouts of America hierarchy and with that come the responsibilities of high moral values, strong character and a faith in God.

But to obtain the coveted rank, which is only achieved by 2 percent of all scouts, a project is required.



On July 2, Matzinger of troop 594, a Boy Scout for four years, completed his Eagle Scout project by building a picnic bench, now at Pope Beach.

In doing so, he has followed in the footsteps of his brothers Daniel, 19, and Adam,16, who also constructed picnic benches for their Eagle Scout projects.



Daniel’s bench is at Saw Mill Pond, and Adam’s is at Baldwin Beach.

When asked why he constructed a picnic bench using the same design as his brothers, Matzinger responded by saying: “I figured it would be tradition.”

To obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, 21 merit badges are needed. Twelve of the badges are required and include physical activities, management, life saving and first aid.

Matzinger feels what he has learned as an Eagle Scout will help him in his future endeavors.

“It will probably open up a lot more opportunities for jobs and for going to college,” he said.

He now has 26 merit badges and could continue to earn Eagle palms. Each palm is equal to five merit badges.

“I think it’s a great project and it will be here, as all Eagle projects should be, for years, and many people will be able to benefit from it,” said his father, Marshall, who is also scoutmaster for troop 594.

Michael Guarino, recreation assistant for the U.S. Forest Service, said the project filled a need at Pope Beach.

“We appreciate that the troop has always thought of us, and we love working with them and are always grateful for their efforts,” he said.

Matzinger may be close to making Eagle Scout but he still has two more hurdles to jump. He still needs to make it through the scoutmaster’s conference, where he will go over the principles of scouting, and he needs approval from the Pine Nut Eagle Scout Board of Review in Minden.


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