May 21, 2008
May 21, 2008
Eric Anthony Bass
Eric was born in 1992. He attended Fox Hollow Elementary school. He joined Tiger Cubs at Cub Scout Pack 6 in 1999. Eric participated in five pinewood derbies, numerous trips and hikes and earned all Cub ranks, 13 activity pins and the Arrow of Light award. Eric worked with his dad and his pastor to earn the God and Me religious emblem.
Eric joined Troop 6 in May of 2004, following in the footsteps of his older brothers Adam and Jeff. His first summer camp was at Camp Bradley near Stanley, Idaho. He also went to Camp Meriwether in Oregon in 2005, Camp Easton on Lake Coeur D’Alene in 2006, and World Scout Jamboree in 2007 at Chelmsford, England. While at the Jamboree, Eric made friends from many countries. He saw so many famous landmarks in London that he cannot watch a movie set in England without commenting, “I’ve been there” multiple times. He wears an Indonesian Boy Scout jacket he got in a swap.
In his years with Troop 6, Eric has rock-climbed, skied, camped on an ocean beach, learned shotgun, archery, and can throw a tomahawk. Eric was a regular on Troop 6 campouts. He went mountain biking, canoeing, backpacking, snow-caving, over 30 cold weather campouts and a few warm weather campouts. He is a good cook and knows his way around a camp kitchen. Eric learned to drive a snow machine with the Troop 6 Venture Patrol while going on three overnight winter trips. Eric has served his troop as Quartermaster, patrol Leader, Musician, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Chaplain’s Aide.
Eric is devoted to studying theology and the hard questions of life. He leads the troop in prayers and helps with campout devotional services. Eric has also served his community, working multiple times at the City of Refuge men’s shelter, several rent-a scout projects, toiling at nine Scouting for Food drives, eight Church-sponsored Christmas basket projects, and participating with his Church youth group on community outreach projects.
Scouting with Troop 6 has taken Eric to some extraordinary places and experiences. He has always put his total effort into causes and activities he believes are important. Today we are glad that he found attaining Boy Scouting’s highest rank to be important.
Eagle Program
Wednesday May 21, 2008
Opening Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick Salazar
Senior Patrol Leader
Rev. Jonathan Mitchell
Eric’s Trail to Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Dickson
Troop Committee Chair
Troop 6 Leaders
The Eagle Board of Review
The Eagle Investiture
Eric’s Scouting History
Award Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troop 6 Leaders
Charge to Eagles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Edwards
Eagle Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Dickson
Closing Ceremony
Troop 6 Leaders: Cheryl Siedelmann; Scoutmaster
Richard Dickson; Committee Chairman
Dave Donselar, Dean Addiego, Greg Bass, Randy Crane
Brian Dickson, Richard Edwards, Robin Stewart, Jim Mayer
Greg Macomb, Blaine Johnson; Assistant Scoutmasters
Roy Miller, Alice Crall, Karen Bass, Ron Salazar, Nancy Stewart
Steve Cole, Sara Jensen, Moira and Tim Solle, Committee
Dave Donselar, Secretary; Susan Smith, Treasurer
Jovita Cosens, Quartermaster
Bill O’Steen, Chartered Organization Representative
Reception will follow, provided by Eric’s family.
Troop 6 BSA is sponsored by Trinity United Methodist Church
and is chartered in the Eagle Rock District of the Grand Teton Council
Eric’s Eagle Script:
OPENING CEREMONY
SPL: Scouts, scouters, guests, friends and family, please rise....
Color Guard attention,
Color Guard Forward March.
Hand salute.
Color Guard halt,
Post the colors.
SPL: Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I Pledge allegiance...
SPL: The Raven Patrol will now preset the Scout Law: [reform into line]
Scouts 1: A scout is Trustworthy, A scout is loyal.
2: A scout is helpful, A scout is friendly.
3: A scout is courteous, A scout is kind.
4: A scout is obedient, A scout is cheerful.
5: A scout is thrifty, A scout is brave.
6: A scout is clean, and a scout is reverent.
SPL Two. Color guard dismissed.
SPL: The Reverend Jonathan Mitchell, associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church will give the invocation.
SPL: The Master of Ceremonies for this evening's Court of Honor is Richard Dickson, Committee Chairman for Troop 6.
MC: To earn the higher ranks in Scouting, a young man has to spend a great deal of time and effort. Therefore the occasion which honors his accomplishments should be something special.
MC: We recognize Eric’s special guests: Grandmother Claire Roberts
Grandmother Anne Bass, Aunt Suzanne Day andCousin 1st Lt. Nicholas Wilson.
THE EAGLE BOARD OF REVIEW
MC: I, Richard Dickson, on behalf of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, now call this National Court of Honor to order.
MC: We are gathered here tonight to bestow the rank of Eagle Scout on a young man from troop 6. The Eagle Award is the culmination of the various efforts of many leaders of this Scout. It is an occasion for pride and joy and a time for serious contemplation. We realize that this is the highest rank in Scouting, and the most coveted of all awards in Scouting. It is the last major step in the advancement program. It is, therefore, right and proper that a careful examination of the qualifications of applicant has been made. In order that you may understand the completeness of our examination, we shall explain the various inquiries made regarding the candidate.
First, Blaine Johnson, representing the Scoutmasters of Troop 6.
Blaine The first consideration in the examination of this candidate was proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed in the requirements for the Eagle Award. The Eagle candidate presented a record of more than twenty one merit badges earned and these have been carefully checked. The candidate has been certified by merit badge counselors approved by the troop committee, and the Board found that the candidate has fully qualified for the required merit badges for the Eagle Award.
MC Ron Salazar, representing the Troop Committee.
Ron Another important consideration for the Eagle Award is leadership. The Board of Review has carefully reviewed the record of the candidate's leadership positions held in the troop, in the Eagle service project which the candidate planned and supervised, and in his other activities. We find that the candidate has demonstrated his capacity and his willingness to exert his leadership ability in activities that are constructive and worthwhile in this community. We believe that he is qualified to receive the Eagle Award.
MC And now, Robin Stewart, representing the sponsoring organization, Trinity United Methodist Church, who supports our troop.
Robin Last, but certainly not least, is the Scout's character. We have interviewed teachers, his pastor, his parents, his neighbors, and many others regarding the candidate. It is the finding of the Board that this candidate is endeavoring to put into practice in his daily life, the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. We believe he will continue these habits after receiving the Eagle Award.
THE EAGLE INVESTITURE
MC Thus is kindled the flame of scouting spirit. (lights the Scout candle)
MC When a boy becomes a scout, there should be instilled within him something that we call the "Scouting Spirit". This single lighted candle represents that spirit. (HOLD UP THE LIT CANDLE) - Because the scouting spirit embodies the fine principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it becomes a shining beacon of inspiration. Alone this light may be feeble, but when multiplied by the more than three and one half million boys in scouting, it can become very powerful indeed.
MC Would the Honor Guard of Troop 6 now escort Life Scout Eric Bass forward.
MC: Of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out in their first year. Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure, but in later life all of these will remember that they had been Scouts and will speak well of the program.
Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge. Twelve of the one hundred will be from families that belong to no church. Through Scouting, these twelve and many of their families will be brought into contact with a church and will continue to be active all their lives. Six of the one hundred will become pastors.
Each of the one hundred will learn something from Scouting. Almost all will develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the rest of their lives. Approximately one-half will serve in the military, and in varying degrees profit from their Scout training. At least one will use it to save another person's life and many will credit it with saving his own.
Four of the one hundred will reach Eagle rank, and at least one will later say that he valued his Eagle above his college degree. Many will find their future vocation through merit badge work and Scouting contacts. Seventeen of the one hundred boys will later become Scout leaders and will give leadership to thousands of additional boys.
Only one in four boys in America will become Scouts, but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion and politics, three out of four were Scouts.
This story will never end. Like the "Golden Pebble" of service dropped into the human sea it will continue to radiate in ever-widening circles, influencing the characters of men down through unending time.
Voice 1: The first responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. An Eagle's honor is sacred. Honor is the foundation of all character. Character is what one really is down deep inside, not what someone thinks one is. An Eagle will so live that he reflects honor upon his home, his church, his school, his friends and upon himself... May the white of your badge remind you to live with honor. [MC lights white candle]
Voice 2: The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. Without loyalty, alL character lacks direction. An Eagle is loyal to his ideals. To thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night into day, thou cannot then be false to any man. Neither pain nor profit, pride nor personal loss shall swerve him in his loyalty... May the blue of your badge remind you to always be loyal. [MC lights blue candle]
Voice 3: The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is courage. Courage gives all character force and strength. Trusting in God and with faith in his fellow man, he faces each day unafraid and seeks his share of the world's work to do... May the red of your badge remind you always of courage. MC lights red candle]
Voice 4: The final obligation of an Eagle Scout is service. He extends a helping hand to those who still toil up the Scouting trail he has just completed, just as others helped him in his achievement of the Eagle Rank. The habit of the daily Good Turn must take on new meaning, and blossom forth in a life of service. He protects and defends the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while demanding his own. His code of action is based upon the belief that real leadership must be founded upon real service May the motto "Be Prepared" always remind you that as an Eagle you are among those best prepared to be of service to others... May the eagle suspended from the ribbon always remind you to perform that service when the opportunity presents itself.
MC: Eagle Candidate Eric Bass, are you willing to accept these responsibilities?
Eric: I am. [Start slide show. [Eric & Scout Symbol]
SLIDE SHOW
2004 & Before
Here are Eric at age 5 and Jeff at age 7 at the Wind Cave in Darby Canyon. Eric started backpacking with his family years before joining Cub Scouts.
Eric and Jeff are seen here backpacking in the Tetons near Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Eric is 6 and Jeff is 8.
Eric’s Tiger Cub Den was actually a barrel of monkeys.
Here are the Bass men as Cub Scouters. Eric wore his Bobcat badge with pride.
Eric gets down and dirty at Krupp Scout Hollow Wet ‘n Wild Days.
This is the last photo of Eric as a Webelos Scout in 2004.
Eric joined Troop 6 after bridging into Scouting. Behind Eric is his “Den Mother.”
Here is Eric with Scoutmaster Jim Siedelmann at his induction ceremony into Troop 6.
Eric chows down on his first official campout with Troop 6. Here the Troop is camped on Dairy Creek near Spencer, Idaho.
Here is the swim Test at Camp Bradley in 2004. With Eric are Troop 6 alumni Justin Shearer, Pat Shearer, Allen Stewart, Colton Wright, Jeff Bass, Brian Dickson and Michael Crall.
Eric and Michael Crall discuss their chances of passing the summer camp swim test at Camp Bradley.
Robin Stewart helps Eric with whipping and fusing at camp..
Eric and the Troop did some trail repair, leaving Camp better than when they found it.
Biking was the best way to cut down the distances at Camp Bradley.
Eric checks out a hot spring near Sunbeam, Idaho. The water temperature got mixed reviews.
The biking trip included a visit to the historic Yankee Fork Gold Dredge where the guys checked out the scoops.
Here Eric prepares to worm his way through homicide cave near Dubois, Idaho.
In this photo taken a Scouting for Food, Eric has on his best upside down smile, and his trademark mullet hairdo.
2005
Eric roughs it at his first Winteree with Troop 6 at Pine Basin Lodge.
Eric channels his Native American ancestry at the Winteree tomahawk throw.
Stone soup was on the menu as Eric chops and chops during Junior Leader Training at the Siedelmann cabin.
Eric soaks up some solar power during the lunch break on the grueling 11-mile ski to Granite Hot Springs.
He lost a leg and a foot on the Granite Hot Springs trip. But they quickly grew back.
Here Eric and the troop enjoy their reward, a long soak in the hot springs.
Eric is at one of the famous Troop 6 fire building training sessions during a Cub open house.
A dedicated musician, Eric packed his keyboard in a dry-sack and played it at the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial camporee on Birch Creek.
A trip to City of Rocks National Monument let Eric get a taste of serious rock climbing.
Here Eric sizes up the Denterprise canoe in the portage competition at the Lewis and Clark camporee.
Eric and Zach share a laugh at a scout meeting.
Eric “kicks the bucket” at the Cedar Butte Mountain biking campout.
Eric is having a bad hair day on top of Cedar Butte.
The troop found trails, caves and historic garbage on the Cedar Butte bike trip.
Duty calls as Eric, Allen and Nick serve as Color Guard at the 2005 Memorial Day Ceremony at the Idaho Falls Eagle’s Club.
Eric and Lance make peace with a scarlet king snake during a troop meeting.
Scouting has taken Eric to the Pacific Ocean. Here Eric and Zach wade in the surf at Camp Meriwether in Oregon.
Burying Tanner Waid in the sun for a sand sculpture contest was great fun.
Eric works on his Art Merit Badge in the rain forest at Camp Meriwether.
Camping on the beach in Oregon was a first time experience for Eric and the rest of the troop.
Washing sand from tarps with Mr. Haley was another new experience.
Eric makes friends with a giant slug.
Later that summer, Eric takes a lunch break while backpacking through Bechler Meadows in Yellowstone National Park.
Here Eric uses his balance from years of martial arts training to cross a bog in Bechler Meadows.
Eric celebrates his crossing with a furry caterpillar.
Eric enjoys a night soak in a Bechler River warm spring after a brief encounter with a black bear.
Jeff , Allen Stewart and Eric rest before completing the Bechler Meadows backpack.
Eric proudly escorts his Dad to the front at the Court of Honor during his promotion to First Class.
The Troop 6 bike trip in Yellowstone had perfect October weather as they pose in front of Old Faithful.
Eric grinds out the miles on the Yellowstone Park highways with his fellow riders behind him.
Eric, Zach and Bob do some bonfire roasting at the year planning campout at the Siedelmann cabin.
Eric enjoys his morning coffee (or is it hot chocolate?) at the Troop 6 year planning session at Mrs. Siedelmann’s cabin.
Eric shows his mom how to make a capote for the winter campouts.
2006
Eric volunteered to be a victim during injured person transport training.
The big guys let Eric join them as a server during the 2006 annual dutch oven brunch fund raiser.
Here are Eric and Bob cooking for 60 at the 2006 Winteree at Treasure Mountain Camp.
Eric and the Eagle Patrol are psyching themselves up for the Klondike Derby, which they won.
Eric snowshoes home from the Winteree at Treasure Mountain.
Eric got valuable training on how to wax and sharpen skis from Mr. Salazar.
Sculpting great works from Ivory Soap was a hit at a troop meeting.
Eric played Bach at Jeff Bass’s Eagle Court of Honor in April, 2006. This time he didn’t have to bring his own keyboard.
The troop gets backcountry survival training from Bonneville County Search & Rescue.
Eric marches next to Mr. Shearer’s truck in one of many 4th of July parades.
The infamous summer camp swim test.at Camp Easton on Lake Coeur D’Alene.
Eric and the troop do a great job at the Camp Easton morning flag raising ceremony.
Eric had to blast a lot of clay pigeons on his way to earning the shotgun merit badge.
During a scout skills relay, Eric answers a question from Ms. Crall while at Easton.
This picture of the troop on Mt. Taylor in the Tetons made it into the Post-Register.
Cooking on backpacking stoves is always a hoot, the food always tastes better.
As is snacking with dad on our way up a steep incline.
Senior Patrol Leader Zach Mayer swears Eric in as a Patrol Leader
Here Eric pins the Star Rank Mom’s pin on his Mom.
Eric and his friends support Mr. Stewart.
Fire building practice went well for ERIC on the Kipuka Campout west of town.
Eric and Zach pack it in after a night on a lava flow.
While building shelves for the new Troop 6 trailer Eric experiences fun with power tools.
2007-2008
Zach and Eric share an iPod while visiting the cracked pot for some sculpting practice.
The 2007 Winteree finds Eric looking for victims to aid during a the search and rescue exercise.
Eric counts the impressive number of ribbons earned by the Eagle Patrol at the 2007 Winteree.
Eric earns his life Scout Award at the February 2007 Court of Honor. His Dad is quite pleased.
The troop toured the Ogden train, rock and gun museums while on the Willard Bay Campout in April of 2007 and climbed on a big engine..
Eric is hauling his gear to the Jamboral campsite at the fair grounds in May of 2007. It snowed!
Eric and his buddies day hike to the pass above Iron Bog Lake.
He squeezed in the Iron Bog backpacking trip before heading to the World Scouting Jamboree.
Here Eric samples some exotic European water at the World Scouting Jamboree in Chelmsford, England.
Eric and his buddies Kelton and Brock at the Jamboree.
Eric gets a tow from a Mountain Bike Horse during a jousting competition at the World Jamboree.
Eric put on work gloves to assist with a volunteer cleanup project for the local English community.
Here Eric is sitting on the ruins of a bajillion year old castle in England. (really just built in 1100 AD)
Eric takes his turn cooking for his Jamboree Troop.
Eric made friends from all over the world. Here he is with his buddies Brandt from the USA and Matias (Matt-ee-us) from Denmark.
Eric toured several London sites – here he is atop St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Eric with his World Jamboree patrol in uniforms that they swapped with scouts from many countries.
The bureau of Land Management asked Eric to build a steep portion of a mountain bike trail near Stinking Springs Canyon for his Eagle Project.
Eric and crew hauled over 7,500 lbs of rock up a 300-ft rise to build platforms for the switchbacks.
Here Eric and the crew work on the first steep turn, or switchback.
Eric finishes the last switchback in November of 2007 to complete the projrct.
Ice fishing at Mud Lake last January provided some tasty fish.
Eric and Zach demonstrate the old four-hand injured person carry on Calen at the 2008 Winteree.
Zach, Eric and Lance carry a victim in the stretcher relay at the 2008 Winteree.
Eric jams with Jeff any change he gets. Here they are playing at Bill O’Steen’s birthday party at the Stewart’s house.
PRESENTATIONS
MC: Would the Honor Guard please conduct the parents of the candidate forward.
MC: By the authority vested in this Court of Honor, by the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, and by the recommendation of the various persons who have investigated your credentials, your leadership practice and your character, this Court hereby awards the rank of Eagle Scout to Eric Anthony Bass of Troop 6 of Idaho Falls.
Wait for applause.
Eric's mother will now present Eric his Eagle Ribbon.
MC: No-one will ever know the unnumbered acts of service and helpfulness from the mother of this Eagle Scout which has led us to this night. As the symbol of what this mom has made possible, the court asks the candidate to present his mother with a Mom’s Eagle Pin.
MC: Your father has been with you in your scouting career over the years and has offered his support. The court asks that you present him with an Eagle Dad pin. Your dad will in turn present you with an Eagle Tie-tac for your use.
MC: The Leaders and committee members of Troop 6 will now present other items to the new Eagle Scout.
Line up leaders who want to present.
The Eagle Scout badge for your uniform.
Your Eagle Certificate.
'I am proud of my Eagle Scout' bumper sticker for your parents.
Eagle Membership card.
The Eagle Neckerchief to you.
Pins for each of your Grandmothers.
MC: In remembrance of your scouting career, all the fun times and all the work, your Scoutmaster, Cheryl Siedelmann, with your parent’s assistance, has complied an album and CD with pictures of your time in Scouting with Troop 6.
MC: Eric will now present his mentor pins, and has a few words to share with us.
Eric: Pins & speaking.
MC: Would the honor guard please escort the parents to their seats.
THE EAGLE CHARGE
MC: Rich Edwards, and Brian Dickson, Assistant Scoutmasters of Troop 6 will now deliver the Charge to Eagle. Would all Eagle Scouts in the audience please join us here at the podium.
Rich Eric, I have the honor of presenting to you the Charge to Eagle Scouts on this occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting. This charge will be a permanent reminder of the principles of the scouting program and of Eagle Scouts. It can only be presented to you by another Eagle Scout, of which I am proud to be one.
The scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in the world's history. You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America of being worthy of the highest rank in this great movement. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Your position, as you know, is one of honor and responsibility, you are a marked man. As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to your country, to your fellow Scouts and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking. As you live up to your obligations you bring honor to yourself and to your brother scouts. America has many good things to give you and your children. But these good things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past. You can help make the future even better.
I charge you, Eric, to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to a high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living.
I charge you, to be among those who dedicate their skills and abilities to the common good. Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God; and whatever others may do, you will leave behind a record of which every other Scout may be justly proud.
Brian Eric, I challenge you to enter this Eagle brotherhood, holding ever before you, without reservation, the ideals of honor and service. By the repetition of the Eagle Scout Promise before your fellow members, you will become an Eagle Scout. Though the words you use are similar to those by which you joined Scouting, they will mean more now than they could have meant at any time in the past. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout, with the words which closed the Declaration of Independence.
Brian Scouts, scouters, parents and guests please stand.
Brian All Eagle Scouts, make the scout sign and repeat after me.
I reaffirm my allegiance,
to the three promises of the Scout Oath
I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself
the obligations and responsibilities
of the rank of Eagle Scout
On my honor
I will do my best
to make my training an example
my rank and my influence to count strongly
for better scouting
and better citizenship
in my troop
and in my community
and in my contacts with other people.
To this I pledge my sacred honor.
two
CLOSING
Cheryl Ladies and gentlemen, by the authority vested in my by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America it is my privilege to present to you Scouting's newest Eagle. Eric Anthony Bass.
MC: Will the honor guard please escort the new Eagle Scout to his seat.
MC: Rev. Mitchell will now deliver the benediction.
Pastor: [Benediction]
MC: I now declare this National Court of Honor closed. I ask the members of the Court and Eagle Scouts present to be the first to congratulate Eric Bass. A reception with refreshments has been prepared for everyone in the parlor behind the sanctuary.