By Danielle Smith

Leader Staff Writer

Another Eagle Scout recently emerged from Troop 366. Max Charlton just became the 43rd member of the troop to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program.

Charlton began scouting in the first grade while attending Daniel Axford Elementary and a few years later, made the decision that he was going to become an Eagle Scout one day.

“I wanted to make something of myself and give a little bit back here and there. Scouting teaches great morals to be instilled

in the youth,” Charlton said.

However, Charlton had to move up the ranks first, which proved to be a lengthy process.

BSA has seven different rankings which do not go by age or grade, but by the pace of the individual looking to make those advancements. Each rank has certain requirements that must be achieved before a scout can move on to the next rank.

In order to become an Eagle Scout, one must be active as a Life Scout for six months while serving in a position of responsibility, earn at least 21 merit badges, go through a board review process and plan, develop and lead a service project that helps a school, community or religious organization, according to the Boy Scouts of America website.

“I took over the mile marker project from Linda Moran (Polly Ann trail manager) who originally spoke with me about possibly doing an Eagle project on the Polly Ann Trail…I had originally only planned to do half though,” Charlton said.

Ultimately, Charlton ended up raising approximately $2,000 for the project and completed all 16.9 miles of the trail, stretching from Joslyn Rd. in Orion Township to Bordman Rd. in Addison Township.

The mile markers installed consisted of eco-friendly composite material and not only told hikers where they were at, but also which trail they were on. Prior to the installation of the new markers, the old markers did not cover the length of the trail, so Charlton’s efforts helped improve the journey for trail users.

With his service project completed and other requirements fulfilled, this past Sunday proved to be an emotional day for Charlton as he received the rank he had been working toward for nearly nine years in a Court of Honor ceremony at Oxford United Methodist Church.

“It feels amazing. It feels like all the work I’ve put in and all of the effort, all of the people I’ve met…it just feels great,” Charlton said while holding back tears.

Friends, family, loved ones and fellow scouts attended the ceremony to honor all of the hard work and dedication that Charlton has put in over the years as a scout.

“It’s overwhelming. He’s put so much work into it and had so much support from family and friends and it’s exciting to see what he’s going to do in the future. It has been a great help for him to mature and it’s just overwhelming,” said Charlton’s mother, Jane Charlton.

During the Court of Honor ceremony, Charlton’s parents joined him up front and helped him officially transition from Life Scout to Eagle Scout by pinning the the newly-earned Eagle Scout badge over his heart and placing the neckerchief around Charlton’s neck.

Charlton’s father, Rob Charlton, began scouting at age 7 and is also an Eagle Scout. Being able to witness his son accomplish the same goal made Rob feel proud.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Rob. “There are more distractions for kids today and seeing how important this could be and setting a goal and before you know it… you’ll get there sooner than you think.”

One thing that achieving Eagle rank taught Charlton was determination. “When you start something, finish it. This is a good program that we have here. Granted, sometimes it is a little bit of a bother…it’s just in this program…responsibility is built up and not just instilled…you get the building blocks and they help you along. It’s such a great process, honestly, and I don’t think I would be who I am today if I didn’t join.”

Charlton’s parents agreed that being a scout has helped their son grow and has influenced his life for the better. “It’s helped give him some focus and introduced him to friends, opportunities . . . It’s given him so many people to interact with that are good role models,” Jane said.

Charlton plans to attend Oakland Community College after graduating next year.

His biggest takeaway from his 11-year scouting experience thus far is to always be kind.

“You can do all of these things, you can get all of these awards . . . but at the end of the day, if you’re not kind and if you’re not respectful and if you’re not a decent person, at the end of the day, does it really all matter? So honestly…just be kind, be a good person,” Charlton said.