Tyler Cahn of Readfield received Scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout rank, on July 30.
This is a goal that he has had since first grade when he joined Cub Scouts while living in New York. Since then, Scouting has taken him to the National Jamboree in 2017 and the World Scouting Jamboree two years later. It has introduced him to new friends and given him opportunities to demonstrate leadership.
The ceremony was held at the Augusta Lodge of Elks with friends and family in attendance, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district vice chairman for Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.
Cahn has built survival shelters in the woods and in the snow; practiced fingerprinting and welding; worked with electricity; made movies and computer games; traveled virtually back to the 1840s during Camp Bomazeen’s Bushcraft program; and practiced knots and lashes while a member of Augusta Scout Troop 631, chartered by St Michael’s Parish.
In Scouting, Cahn has earned more than 60 merit badges. “The most fun badge was Shooting Sports and the most challenging was Citizenship in the World. That one was a lot of work and a lot of different cultures and forms of government to learn about. These are things I had no idea about,” he said. “Scouting is a great adventure. There is always something fun to do and something new to learn about.”
As part of becoming Eagle, the Scout must complete a project of significant value to the community. Cahn, a frequent volunteer at the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, wanted to do something for animals. His original project plan was to host a community adoption day event. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic put an end to that plan.
Still wanting to do something for the humane society, Cahn formulated a new project, setting up a dedicated donation bin with graphics and logos. Additionally, he organized, promoted and led a donation drive to fill the bin resulting in several hundred pounds of much-needed supplies for the animals.
Cahn will be a senior this fall at Kents Hill School. He is the son of Russell and Tracey Cahn of Readfield.
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