Two brothers, Collin and Cole Moon, both members of BSA Troop 16 chartered at Federated Church in Sycamore, were recently awarded the Eagle Rank, the highest award achievable in Boy Scouts. Collin and Cole are the sons of Mitch and Karen Moon.
Eagle Scout Collin Moon
Collin began his scouting journey in as a Webelo in 2008 with Cub Scouts Pack 239 in Rockford. During that time he earned the Cub Scout ranks and the Arrow of Light. Collin continued his trail to Eagle with Boy Scout Troop 139 in Rockford, then along with his brother transferred to Troop 16 in Sycamore. Collin served as Quartermaster, Assistant Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Librarian, and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 2012. He has earned 41 merit badges during his scouting career thus far.
Eagle Scout Cole Moon
Cole first joined scouts in 2008 as a Bear with Cub Scouts Pack 239 in Rockford. Cole earned ranks of Bear, Webelos I and II, and the Arrow of Light award. He crossed over into Boy Scout Troop 139 in Rockford, and then transferred along with his brother to Troop 16 in Sycamore. Throughout his trail to Eagle, Cole served as Chaplain Aid, Quartermaster, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader. In 2012, Cole was inducted into the Order of the Arrow.
Cole and Collin worked with TAILS Humane Society for their individual Eagle projects. Cole’s project included building and outdoor shed made of wood and aluminum for TAILS. Cole explains why he chose this for his project, “Not many scouts have built sheds in the past. I’ve watched my dad build a shed and wanted to build one for TAILS when I saw the need for it.” Cole learned to always be prepared, to be organized and new ways to be a leader during this project. Collin’s Eagle project was to remodel the laundry and storage room, replaced an old shelving unit, and built new shelves to help TAILS get more organized. Collin comments, “I volunteered at TAILS with my sister and wanted to help their organization. I learned to become more organized and how to make things flow better during the project. I also realized adults and kids had different things they could do and I had to adjust their responsibilities accordingly.”
To achieve the Eagle rank, each scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, remain active in their troop, live by the Principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, complete a service project, and participate in an Eagle Board of Review with all requirements being completed before their 18th birthday. This is quite an achievement as only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. This prestigious award is recognized by colleges, the workforce, and all branches of the armed forces.
Cole and Collin recently held their formal Eagle Ceremony and were awarded their Eagle rank along with six other scouts who also achieved the rank at Federated Church in Sycamore. Cole comments, “I’m very proud of earning the Eagle rank; I know I have done something well!” Collin reflects, “I attended my cousin’s Eagle ceremony and was inspired to start my own scouting career with the goal to become an Eagle Scout.” Both Eagle Scouts express their gratitude to their parents, family, Scoutmaster Jeff Royce from Troop 139, and Scoutmaster Ruetten with Troop 16 for the guidance and assistance along their trail to Eagle.
Currently a Senior at Sacred Heart Classical Center in Rockford, Collin is also a member of the DeKalb County Swim Team. After graduation, he will be attending Kishwaukee Community College, and will continue to be active in Troop 16. Cole is currently a Freshman at Sacred Heart Classical Center in Rockford and is also a member of the DeKalb County Swim Team. He is looking forward to the rest of his High School years, plans to attend college, and will also remain active in scouting with Troop 16.
Troop 16 is a strong troop with over 45 active scouts. Any boy aged 11 through 18 is invited to join; no past scouting experience or background is required. Troop 16 meets most Sunday evenings from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Federated Church in Sycamore. For more information, please contact Scoutmaster Tim Ruetten at 815.895.4940.
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