Mar 8, 2012
Calen Lee Kelso
Calen was born on April 6, 1994 in Logan, Utah. He is the son of Mike and Stacey Kelso and has a younger sister. In Calen’s early years he lived in Preston, Idaho and went to the school that was in “Napoleon Dynamite”. Calen began playing t-ball at age five. He joined the local Cub Scouts pack and Calen was a champion at the pinewood and rocket derbies.
When Calen was 11 the family moved to Edgewood, New Mexico and joined troop 640. He made many new friends and started earning merit badges. He qualified for Shotgun merit badge on his first try. Calen continued to play baseball and his team did very well.
In 2007 the family moved to Idaho Falls and Calen and Mike joined Troop 6. That year Calen traveled back to NM to attend the Camp Frank Rand, Chimayo Scout Reservation. In 2009 Calen attended Philmont Scout Ranch with Cheryl and Robin where he was involved in a 12 day trek for around 90 miles of rugged and rocky trails in rural New Mexico.
From the time Calen joined troop 6 in Idaho Falls he has enjoyed all of the activities that he was involved in. He participated in Winterees, summer camps, and troop 6 activities including, snow caving, backpacking, climbing Mt. Borah, swimming, camping, kayaking, canoeing, rappelling, water skiing, caving, biking and much more. While at troop 6 Calen served as an assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, and senior patrol leader.
For his Eagle project Calen built four battleship bunk beds. The beds were delivered and assembled by his crew at the Ruth House women’s shelter. Each time Calen drives past the shelter he beams, knowing that the four beds are serving their purpose, and there are people that have a bed to sleep on each night. Calen is very proud of this accomplishment and everything he has learned from scouting.
When Calen is not at scouts he spends his time playing his guitars, hanging out with his friends from school as well as friends from scouts, and helping his parents out by chauffeur his little sister.
Eagle Scout Investiture Ceremony
7 candles, the 6 ranks of Scouting and the Scout spirit. All candles are out except the "Spirit of Scouting."
Master of Ceremonies (MC), Adults of Troop 6: Cheryl, Jovita, Robin, Bob, Jason, Blaine. Brian Stucki from the GTC
Five Scouts: Tenderfoot, Second, First Class, Star and Life, David Lerum
Start with picture of Calen.
Opening:
SPL: Flag ceremony
Audience please rise, Color Guard Attention, …
Join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I Pledge allegiance… (oath and law come later.)
Color Guard Dismissed.
EAGLE TRAIL CEREMONY:
MC: To earn the higher ranks in Scouting, a Scout has to spend a great deal of time and effort. Therefore, the occasion that recognizes his accomplishments should be something special. Tonight we shall follow the The Eagle Trail.
When a boy becomes a Scout there is instilled within him something that we call the spirit of Scouting. The lighted candle before you represent that spirit. Because the spirit of Scouting embodies the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it is a shining beacon of inspiration. Alone, this light may seem feeble, but when multiplied by more than three million boys in Scouting, it becomes very powerful indeed. Here to tell us more about Lighting The Eagle Trail, is Mr. Robin Stewart, Scoutmaster.
Teton’s - slide #2
Mr. Stewart: Far away, looms the hazy outline of a lofty Eagle Summit, flanked by lesser peaks that represent Star and Life. Yes, to the newcomer they are a long way ahead, but they come a lot closer as the light from the Spirit of Scouting spreads.
The first Scout rank in Scouting is Tenderfoot. (The Tenderfoot lights a candle) Once inspired by the Spirit of Scouting he will not stay tender-of-foot for long.
Putting a few simple achievements behind him, he quickly climbs to the rank of Second Class Scout. (Second Class Scout lights a candle)
Even though the requirements stiffen a bit, he keeps climbing until finally he tops the mountain ridge along the Eagle trail where he receives his First Class award. (First Class Scout lights a candle) This is no place to rest on the Eagle trail, for now he clearly sees the peaks ahead.
Now a broad mountain meadow of merit badges challenges him. He must gather six of them as he presses onward toward Star Mountain. (Star Scout lights a candle)
He is farther along the Eagle trail than he thought he would ever be, and he is proud of his progress. He realizes benefits that he has gained from his training for leadership and for service. The Life Scout rank, the next summit along the trail seems far away. Our hiker rushes on, working, serving, leading and as he goes he adds five more merit badges to his collection.
The farther he climbs, the fewer companions he meets who are with him along the trail, and the more effort, he expends. (Life Scout lights a candle) Moving on our traveler has attained another peak.
To guide us up the final peak is Mr. _Blaine Johnson_.
Blaine: Our new Life Scout has completed many accomplishments, but looking up, the Scout beholds yet another summit, the highest summit of the range. He knows it must be Eagle Summit about which he has heard so many stories.
The trail leads on and upward. Now the pathway narrows and there are even fewer Scouts on it. Toward the summit the path steepens considerably and winds along narrow ledges.
Many tough spots will need to be overcome to conquer the last few miles. He must find and gather ten more merit badges. As he goes about that task, he is busy giving leadership to other Scouts who seek to climb the ranks of Scouting.
He is continually giving service to those who cannot enjoy the trail, but need a helping hand. Only those with real persistence and courage are able to gain the thrill of Eagle Summit.
Before continuing up the trail to your goal, which is now very apparent. Let me remind you that there are more mishaps in mountain climbing after reaching the top than there are on the trail upward.
One who achieves the highest goal of Scouting should never forget the rigor of the training he has endured and the responsibilities of leadership and service that were a part of his success.
Never forget that the Scout Law should always be fundamental in your life. There are twelve parts of the Law. Troop 6 Scouts will now repeat the twelve points of the Scout Law and their definitions.
The Scout Law:
Several Scouts say the law, and one other reads the meaning from the side.
A Scout is:
TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
MC: The three parts of the Scout Oath are promises that will carry you safely and securely as you travel down unknown paths in the future. I Invite Senior Patrol Leader David Lerum to Lead the Scout Oath:
SPL: Scouts and Scouters please rise.
On My Honor I will do my best
to do my duty to God and my country.
To obey the Scout Law,
To help other people at all times
and to keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake and morally straight.
Two.
(David is seated and MC takes over the podium.)
Slide Show
MC: We will now show you the top 100 slides from Calen’s career with Troop 6.
2008 - Bob Boozer
Calen Joined Troop 6 in December 2007, just in time to make a capote for himself, with his Dad’s help.
In January 2008 his focus was preparation for the Winteree.
Then, at the end of the month he attended the Winteree at Krupp. Here he acts as the victim for Eric Bass and Zach Mayer.
The 3 legged ski proved to be a challenge to Calen and his patrol mates.
Here he works on the Treasure hunt in the fort.
Then he joined Nathan and Matt in the round robin competitions.
Here they are about to drop Mrs. Siedelmann during the stretcher race (She remembers!)
In February Mike and Calen helped cook outside for the Dutch Oven brunch.
Then he participated in his first Court of Honor.
And escorted his mom for a rank advancement.
One Wednesday he went with the troop to Stone Walls.
In April he hiked to the Kipuka for a GPS outing.
This may look the same, but it was the May outing to Barney Tepid Springs.
The guys worked on their 5 mile hike with a map and compass, I think they found some bones.
Here they are at First Presbyterian Church for Eric Bass’ Eagle Court of Honor.
Calen attended Cedar Badge that year.
And helped prepare the float for the Independence Day parade.
Here, he’s getting ready to March in the parade.
That year Troop 6 went to Camp Morrison, here he practices his canoeing.
Hanging out around our camp one evening, probably discussing the bear.
Calen got a bird’s eye view of the camp while waiting for a flag ceremony.
He participated again in a stretcher race.
And showed off his merit badge work.
Junior leader training that year was at the Siedelmann Cabin, They wouldn’t get off the couch for Dean.
And, a great tradition on the way home, Calen enjoyed square ice cream at Rainey Creek Store.
In September he hiked with Robin and Troop 6-ers to the top of Mt. Borah.
That fall, the guys practiced some engineering during a troop meeting.
And competed in some team building games
2009 - Robin Stewart
Calen and Nathan were on their way to do some Winteree preparation.
Hans worked with Brendon and Calen on scout skills.
Then, off to the Winteree at Pine Basin.
Here he moved his patrol’s sled during the round robin competitions.
And he worked intensely at the log saw.
He and his buddy showed off their log round.
Another February and Calen served at the brunch with Jared Sene.
Then, some cool ice fishing at Ririe Reservoir.
He made another rank advancement and installed his Mother’s pin.
Calen and others were sworn in for another leadership position.
And posed with the whole troop for a group photo.
He attended the Merit Badge scramble at St. Paul’s.
Then did some singing with his patrol, How did we get them to do that?
That spring it got a bit chilly during a hike in the desert.
It was warm in Idaho Falls in April, but still snowy in Grand Teton Park for a bike ride.
Calen and Ryan rested and had a snack while they waited for the rest of the troop.
The April outing was a bike ride at Cedar Butte, here Calen is on his way down into the lava tube.
He took his turn cooking at the campsite.
Then rode his bike up and down the butte.
Jared, Matt and Calen performed a skit at the campfire.
The weather improved in June when Calen went on the Snake River hike.
He and his patrol mates enjoy the great view of the Snake River.
In June we drove all the way to Philmont. Here Ryan and Calen shared some music and a nap.
Everybody looked fresh and happy as we arrived for our trek.
We took a hike around the base camp.
Then, it’s on the trail and Calen checked the map with our ranger.
Each day a different scout did the navigating, here Calen works the compass.
He was the cook for the one pot dinner.
At Uraca, one of the team building exercises was to get everyone over the wall, Calen went up third.
Calen and Mrs. Siedelmann enjoy the view.
At another camp, Calen got to practice some lumber-jacking skills.
At Beaubien he honed his horseshoeing skills.
Then he and Mrs. Stewart shared a fine Philmont lunch.
Calen has his hard hat on for the service project.
John and Calen had lunch.
Then Calen and Mary did the dishes.
Mealtime wasn’t so much fun when it’s cold and rainy at 10,000 feet.
Calen found a trail marker.
We all made it to the top of Mt. Phillips after an arduous trek.
Here Calen practiced some blacksmithing and was careful about his fingers.
Calen lit the stove for another meal.
He did some real rock climbing at one camp.
Part way through the 70 miles and it’s hard on the feet.
Here is a group photo at a beautiful lake.
We’re not sure what this was all about, more lumber-jacking, maybe.
Everyone needs to make it to the top of the Tooth of Time for a sunrise, so here we are.
And here is the sunrise.
The trip home was via Arches National Park, here Calen and Ryan struck a pose.
They started out sleeping under the stars, but the wind got so bad that they ended up in the bed of the pickup.
Calen posed in one of the arches.
After Philmont, it was time for summer camp at Island Park. Here he is along the trail with Nathan and Eric.
Then he was caught at basketry with Austen and Eric.
Calen joined the troop for the dedication of Siedelmann Hall at the camp.
Also in July, the outing was to Massacre Rocks for some more climbing.
In September Calen finished up bicycling merit badge with a bike ride in the Pahsimeroi valley
2010 - Jason Huff (do 2011 & 2012 also)
Calen and patrol mates showed off their home made sled at the Winteree.
Then we skip ahead to the swim check at Camp Easton.
He joined Aaron on the “gathering” picnic table at the parade ground.
Calen worked with others in Troop to raise the flag one morning.
And here they are in the War canoe coming back from an outpost stay at Mica Bay.
At the inter-troop competitions, Calen answered some scout skills questions from Mr. O’Steen.
2011
Calen went with the A-Team to the Winteree at West Piney, and competed mightily.
Here he posed during the sled building competition.
In June, Calen went on a canoe trip along the Buffalo River.
2012
Calen and Andrew practiced fire building once again for the Winteree.
Calen showed off his warm mask with Aaron and Andrew at West Piney.
Later in the evening, and the guys were looking a bit tired.
Calen has buried Andrew in the snow - see the hand with a thumb’s up.
Here is Calen with his Mom last week as his Eagle was announced at the Court of Honor.
For his Eagle project, Calen and lots of guys from Troop 6 built 4 bunk beds for the Ruth House Women’s homeless shelter.
This project took several sessions and a lot of work.
Here he is with the delivery crew and the director Wood Brush, at the shelter.
Recognizing the Eagle
SPL: Honor Guard Attention. Please escort Calen Kelso to the stage.
SPL: Honor Guard dismissed.
MC: (To Calen) You are almost at the summit that you have been diligently seeking to reach. Please take the candle representing the Spirit of Scouting, step onto the Eagle Summit and light the candle that signifies you have reached the very top. (Calen lights the candle)
MC: (Addressing Troop Committee) Jovita Cosens, you are here representing the Troop 6 committee, has Calen Kelso conducted himself in a manner that exemplifies meaning of Scouting?
JOVITA: All records and interviews have indicated that the candidate for Eagle has exemplified the meaning of Scouting. 21 merit badges are required, and Calen has earned 40. Calen has actively participated in Scouting in Troop 6. He has demonstrated leadership by holding many positions, and done his best to help scouts along the trail to Eagle.
MC: Thank you, Mrs. Cosens, for your report.
Will Brian Stucki, representing the Grand Teton Council and the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, please come forward and administer the Eagle Pledge.
BRIAN: Senior Patrol Leader, please bring your troop to attention.
SPL: Scouts and Scouters, ATTENTION!
BRIAN: Eagle candidate Calen Kelso, please step forward,
Would all other Eagle Scouts come forward.
Please make the Scout sign and repeat after me the Eagle Scout Oath:
EAGLE SCOUT OATH
“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 count strongly
for better Scouting and for better citizenship
in my troop and in my community
and in my contacts with other people
To this I pledge my sacred honor.
SPL: Thank you Mr. Stucki. Troop please be seated. Other Eagle Scouts are dismissed.
MC: Now, Eagle Scout Calen Kelso, the eyes of all Scouting --
yes, the eyes of the world are trained upon you.
Let me remind you that the tradition of the Eagle is high.
May you so live to preserve and uphold this tradition.
May your life be guided by the Spirit of Scouting,
symbolized by the candles before you.
May the Eagle badge that you are about to receive
be symbolic of the fine Spirit of Scouting.
Presentation of awards: (CHERYL & ROBIN)
SPL: Would the Honor Guard please conduct Calen’s parents, Stacey and Mile Kelso, forward.
SPL: Honor Guard dismissed.
MC: Calen’s mother will now present Calen with his Eagle Medal.
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 Calen to present his mother with a Mom’s Eagle Pin.
(Gives Mom a hug and kiss)
MC: Your father has greatly helped Troop 6 and you with your scouting career over the years. The court asks that you present him with an Eagle Dad Pin. Your dad will in turn present you with an Eagle tie tack for your use.
(Gives Dad a handshake & hug)
MC: Calen will now present his Eagle mentor pins to ?
CALEN: Presents pins, adds his comments.
MC: Scoutmaster Robin Stewart will now guide The leaders of Troop 6 as they present other Eagle items:
ROBIN: The Eagle Scout badge, and knot for your adult uniform, neckerchief and slide, certificate, membership card, bumper stickers for parents, council shoulder patch, anything else.
grand parent’s pins - (have them stand and Calen deliver them)
ROBIN: In remembrance of your scouting career, all the fun times and all the work Mrs. Siedelmann has prepared an Eagle album of your Scouting record and pictures with Troop 6.
SPL: Would the honor guard please escort Calen’s parents to their seats.
CLOSING
MC: Assistant Scoutmaster Bob Boozer will now give the benediction.
Bob: Before we close, let’s sing Scout Vespers with Calen one last time:
Softly falls the light of day
as our campfire fades away.
Silently each scout should ask
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared
Everything to be prepared?
Listen Lord, O listen Lord
As I whisper soft and low,
Bless my Mom and bless my Dad,
There is something they ought to know.
I have kept my honor bright.
The Oath and Law have been my guide.
Mom and Dad, this you should know:
Deep in my heart I love you so.
Bob: [Benediction]
SPL: Retire the Colors.
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 Calen Kelso. A reception with refreshments has been prepared for everyone in the Parlor.