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Eagle Scouts To Soar In Joint Ceremony

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By LENORA LAKE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

PALMA CEIA - When a group of boys became Scouts together nearly 12 years ago, they didn't know five of them eventually would have the organization's highest rank pinned on their chests at the same time.

On Saturday, the five friends - along with three other Scouts from Troop 53 - will receive the Eagle Scout rank in an Eagle Court of Honor at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, the troop's sponsor.

Richard Barrett, an assistant Scoutmaster, was the Tiger Cub Den Leader when his son "R.B.," Kevin Corbett Blitch, Joseph David Manson, Spencer Paul Segers and Peter Tyler Murray began the Scouting program in first grade in Pack 53 at Mabry Elementary School.

"From the time we had them in Tiger Cubs, we told them becoming an Eagle Scout was a great goal to have," Barrett said.

The priority of leaders and parents "was making sure they had a good time," Barrett said. "But we tried to make sure they stayed on goal, too."

Jonathan David Newkirk and Jeff Washington also joined Pack 53; Thomas L. Hires III transferred to the troop in eighth grade after moving to Tampa from Bradenton.

"I've got this really strong bond with the guys," said R.B. Barrett, 18. "We've been through so much together. We've had a lot of fun and have great memories of going hiking and camping."

To attain the Eagle rank, Scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges, serve in leadership positions, complete a community service project demonstrating leadership and organizational skills, and pass a review board. All requirements, except the review board, must be completed before age 18.

John Ralston, program director of Boy Scouts of America Gulf Ridge Council, said about 4 percent of Scouts reach Eagle rank. That's up from about 1.5 percent about 25 years ago, he said, because of a better retention rate.

He said it's "very rare" for five boys who started together as Tiger Cubs to become Eagle Scouts. "But it's not that it never happens."

Friendships outside Scouts and other ties, such as attending the same school or church, can help build "a good camaraderie of the boys," Ralston said. "The more cohesive the group, the better they perform."

All the Scouts except Hires attended Mabry Elementary; all eight attended Coleman Middle and Plant High.

"I think them being friends at school and outside of Scouts really helped keep them motivated," Richard Barrett said. "They kept that friendship into Scouting."

Through the years, they continued camping, hiking, sailing and earning badges.

By the time they were 16 or 17, they said, "Man, we are close" and decided to finish the Eagle requirements, the assistant Scoutmaster said.

"I really like Boy Scouts," Manson said. "I liked being in the woods; I liked learning the skills that could help me."

When the eight friends take the Eagle oath at Saturday's ceremony, they and their families will share many memories. Their parents have become friends, and many were involved in projects, activities and camping trips.

"We are a group of dads who enjoy doing outdoor activities - and we got to take our sons along," Richard Barrett said.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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