Every once in a while a Scout reaches the extraordinary achievement of earning all 121 merit badges. I can imagine few other ways to gain experience in a crazy quilt of interests like American Business, Archeology, Bird Study, Cinematography, Dentistry, Entrepreneurship, Farm Mechanics, Genealogy, Geology, Journalism.
Music, Nuclear Science, Pottery, Railroading, Surveying, Textile, and Whitewater. Here are three who have achieved this remarkable distinction recently:
Here’s an interview with one Scout
Raymond Adrian DeLeon Jr. is an Eagle Scout, founder and president of Venture Crew 1209, and recently graduated high school senior. He also has earned all 121 merit badges in the Boy Scout program. On June 1,2007 I talked with Adrian about his experience.
Link to interview.
News story about
from Frisco, Texas:
“I felt that earning all 122 merit badges would be a unique opportunity to learn about career opportunities and hobbies and get a taste for the adventures they provide,” he said.
Additionally, for every five merit badges over what is required for an Eagle, Boy Scouts can earn a palm. Cameron has 20 palms. Link to whole story
Eagle James Calderwood from Chevy Chase, Maryland
It’s not easy making Eagle, the highest honor in Boy Scouts. You need at least 21 merit badges, some required. Only 2 percent of Scouts get that far. A remarkable achievement. So what adjective should be used for James Calderwood, who has attained 121? Scout’s honor.
Least favorite badge: “Insect study was something I wasn’t as fascinated by as much as the other ones,” he said. “But there wasn’t a badge that I dreaded getting. I mean, every single badge intrigued me.” Link to the full article
Listen to a radio interview with James at the NPR website.