Thirteen-Year-Old Waterford Boy Attains the Rank of Eagle Scout

Submitted by Liz Anderson

Charles Anderson has been involved in scouting since the first grade when he joined Saint Joseph Cub Scout Pack 11 as a Tiger Scout.  He continued as an active scout and earned the Arrow of Light as a Webelos II. Since April 2011, Anderson has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 11.  

During the past two years he worked toward his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout, a feat accomplished by only about 4 percent of scouts, most of whom are 17 years old. 

In order to become an Eagle Scout, Anderson earned more than 21 required merit badges that taught life skills, citizenship, and outdoor survival. His favorite merit badge was Wilderness Survival.  He also held leadership positions within his troop, taught scouting skill to others, and completed an Eagle Scout service project 

Anderson chose Safe Futures, an organization that provides services to those affected by domestic violence, as the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout project.  Over 50 children each year enter Genesis House, an emergency shelter, often with nothing more than the clothes on their back.  Anderson’s goal was to provide these children with a “survival pack”—a backpack containing a pillow pet, blanket, beanie baby, toiletry items, and either a coloring book and crayons or a journal and pen depending on the child’s age.  

Anderson surpassed his goal of 50 packs and, additionally, was able to provide Safe Futures with 39 pair of children’s pajamas as well as a Pajama Fund of over $300 to provide future needs. 

Anderson’s 16-year-old sister, Natalie, has been raising money for Safe Futures for eight years so he was already familiar with the organization and its needs. 

“I’m extremely proud of my brother,” said Natalie Anderson.  “It is astounding that he earned his Eagle Rank at such a young age.  I’m even more amazed at his commitment to Safe Futures.  Not many boys are comfortable with this topic and my brother became a champion for the organization!”

While Anderson technically became an Eagle on August 31, after the completion of his Board of Review, he gathered at the New London Lodge of Elks with family, friends, and fellow scouts for a formal Eagle ScoutCourt on Honor on  November 17. 

“It was very important for me to have my Board of Review on August 31st, said Anderson. “I was named after my great-grandfather, Charles Beh, and that was the anniversary of his 110th birthday.”

Anderson loves the scouting program and highly recommends the experience. “I think every boy should at least try scouting.  You can join a troop without any prior experience.  You will learn skills that will help you throughout your entire life, no matter which rank you achieve.  It’s just a lot of fun.”

Anderson tries to live the Scout Law and the Scout Oath in his everyday life.  He is always ready to lend a hand, is a friend to others, and lives his faith through his actions. His family and troop are expecting great things from him in the future.