The Eagle

What does it mean to be an Eagle Scout? How does one become an Eagle Scout?   Why does it require a project? These are common questions to someone who hasn’t achieved the rank of Eagle. We celebrate when a Scout is decorated with the Eagle Scout rank. We give gifts and have a party. But what happens before the party? How much does a Scout really have to accomplish in order to earn the rank that only 6% of Scouts have the honor of claiming?

Eagle Scout project brings recognition to Van Buren Veterans

Veterans Day event draws large crowd for unveiling

Members of the Van Buren community, which included local Veterans, civic leaders, state legislators and numerous members of the Boy Scouts turned out to celebrate the completion of the Eagle Scout project of Jacob Deiter. During the Nov. 11 unveiling of the Van Buren Veterans Memorial, the crowd witnessed first-hand a two-year effort by the Troop 313 Scout.

Image courtesy of WFIN

Erected in the village’s town square, the memorial features a 4-by-6-foot black granite monument honoring all branches of the Military and those who have served from the community. The inscription on the monument reads, “’Lest We Forget …’ In honor of all who have served from Van Buren and the surrounding area’”

In addition, the granite memorial is surrounded by seven flagpoles recognizing each brand of service along with the U.S. and POW flags, as well as having 1,800 sidewalk bricks with individual names of area Veterans.

Deiter’s Eagle Scout project was such a community event, it was featured in two local news media features. To see the coverage of both, click on the following links:

Congratulations to Jacob on his Eagle Scout project and all he has given back to the community.

For his efforts, Van Buren Mayor Ed May surprsed Jacob when he read a proclamation declarying the day "Jacob Deiter Day" in Van Buren.

Thanks to The Courier and WFIN-1330/95.5 for supporting the local Scouting movement and sharing all the good local Scouts are doing in their community. The Courier can be found online at www.TheCourier.com. or here for WFIN.com The photos by The Courier are by Denise Grant.

PICTURED ABOVE: U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (left photo) and State Representative Jon Cross (right photo) recognize Jacob Deiter for his Eagle Scout project in Van Buren.

Council's annual Eagle Scout Youth Recognition event set for March 12, 2022

In 2021, more than 70 youth will earn the rank of Eagle Scout in Black Swamp Area Council. As a way of recognizing the accomplishment of these youth, there is a recognition dinner on Saturday, March 12, 2022.  This annual gala returns to the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) in Lima. Check-in opens at 3 p.m., with the event kicking off at 5:45 p.m.

Each Eagle Scout youth is paired with a community sponsor. The evening will include a dinner followed by the recognition ceremony, class honoree presentation and keynote address.

All Eagle Scouts planning to attend need to register. There is no cost for the Class of 2021 Eagle Scout to attend. Any family members who would like to attend with the Scout can do so at $25/guest and must register online. Registration is now open and can be found CLICKING HERE!

Prospective sponsorships begin at $85, and individuals can elect to sponsor an Eagle Scout for $85 and then attend the dinner with that Eagle Scout. Prospective sponsors who are unable to attend but would still like to support the event can do so.  Sponsors can also bring a guest, if they would like, for an additional $25. To become a sponsor, you can either register online or print the below registration form and mail into the Findlay Service Center at 2100 Broad Ave., Findlay OH 45840.

Eagle Scouts, sponsors and guests must register by February 11, 2022.

Returning this year is the "Eagle Scout Class Yearbook," which will be printed in full color. For information on how families can honor their Eagle Scout or how sponsors can support the local Scouting program, see the Yearbook Family Spots form below. 

The event center at UNOH is located at 1450 N. Cable Rd., Lima, Ohio 45806.

CLICK HERE for more information and registration.

If you have an Eagle Scout you’d like to see featured,
please contact Jim Mason at  jim.mason@scouting.org


Scouting in the Black Swamp Area Council began in 1915 when the Scouting program was introduced to the young people of West Central and Northwestern Ohio. More than 5,400 individuals are participating in the local program as a Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Explorers and adult volunteers. In 2020, these individuals participated in 8,069 hours of community service. For more information about finding Scouting near you, visit BeAScout.org