On June 7, Scout Troop 277 of Christ Episcopal Church and Scout Troop 291 of Lord of Life Lutheran Church celebrated twin Eagle Scouts Ray and Rose Gottschalk during their Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement possible in the Scout BSA program and requires years of dedication. The Scouts who earn this rank work through learning and leadership requirements and complete a service project for the community.
Their scouting adventure began when Ray joined Cub Scout Pack 277 in first grade. Cub Scouts offered lots of outdoor activities, which Ray loves. Ray earned his Arrow of Light (highest rank in Cub Scouts) and crossed over to Boy Scouts Troop 277 in fifth grade. While working through the scout ranks, Ray’s outdoor adventures led him to pursue the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement.
The National Medal for Outdoor Achievement is the highest recognition a Scout can earn for exemplary achievement, experience and skill in multiple areas of outdoor endeavor. To date only about 300 Scouts have completed this achievement. Ray earned the award in November.
For his Eagle Scout project, Ray built an obstacle course, monkey bars and sensory walk for The Tribe, a local non-profit pediatric rehabilitation center. Many children in need have already used the equipment as part of their physical therapy.
Aside from Scouting, Ray has enjoyed running cross country for four years for Ponte Vedra High and fishing whenever he can. This fall, Ray will continue running cross country at Hawaii Pacific University while pursuing a marine biology degree.
Although girls were not admitted as members until 2019, the Cub Scout Pack was always welcoming to siblings. Thanks to Cub Scout family outings, Rose fell in love with scouting, too. In February 2019, Rose was one of the founding members of the local female Troop 291. She was excited that she could be a part of Scouts BSA and couldn’t wait to start working on her own Eagle Scout path.
Ponte Vedra High School, under the leadership of Dr. Oberkehr, has welcomed and supported Troop 291 and scouting in general. For her Eagle Scout project, Rose created a school mural to help create a more welcoming environment for students. It adds to school spirit and to the overall beautification of the school campus.
Aside from scouting, Rose has enjoyed four years in Ponte Vedra High Band Guard. With her scouting born love of the outdoors and animals, Rose will be pursuing a zoology degree in Gainesville.
Neither achieving Eagle Rank or turning 18 (youth membership in Scouts ends with the 18 birthday) has stopped Ray or Rose from remaining active as volunteers in scouting. Both are active in the Order of the Arrow (honor society of Scouts). Rose is the Chief for the local Order of Arrow Chapter and was recognized as 2024 Chapter Chief of the Year. Ray has continued to volunteer as an assistant scoutmaster and merit badge coordinator for Troop 277.
