Owego’s newest Eagle Scout has landed! Ethan McFarland, a member of Troop 38 recently earned Eagle Scout, the highest rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.
Ethan began his scouting career in first grade as a Tiger Scout in Cub Scout Pack 37 in Owego. After progressing through the ranks, he received the Arrow of Light Award before advancing to Boy Scout Troop 38.
Ethan mastered many skills and completed 36 merit badges on his path toward Eagle Scout. He held several leadership positions within the Troop including Senior Patrol Leader. Ethan also enjoyed attending summer camp with his troop, ultimately working last summer as part of the Camp Barton staff.
As a member of Troop 38, Ethan participated in many outdoor adventures from back country hiking and canoeing in the Adirondacks to sleeping in snow shelters. However, the highlight of his diverse scouting experience was a high adventure, 12-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Community service is an important aspect of Scouting, and a specific Council approved community service project is a requirement of the Eagle Scout rank. Ethan chose to work with the Common Ground Community Center to improve the facilities’ grounds for the benefit of the Owego community.
His project included building three benches, adding a walking path, creating a new garden bed, and planting a tree on the grounds of the center located at 28 West Main St. in Owego. The scouts also trimmed trees, cleaned gutters and leveled the lawn.
Planning and execution of this project took over 170 hours, and Ethan led members of his Troop, Girl Scout Troop 40925, family and friends in completing the project. In addition, multiple local businesses donated materials to the project. They would like to thank Owego Home Central, Tioga Gardens and Lowe’s for their generous donations.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held this past Tuesday, March 19, to celebrate this tremendous accomplishment. Ethan would like to thank everyone who has supported him in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
He continues to be active in Troop 38, chartered to the First Union Presbyterian Church, Owego, N.Y. and thoroughly enjoys the adventures that the Troop members plan.
Ethan is a Junior at Owego Free Academy and is the son of Sharon McFarland and Chuck Birdsall of Owego, N.Y.
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