Eagle Gem Award, WOW! Award & All 9 Majors
Arthur Duke, Eagle Frontier Boy, Troop 109
by Sylvia Duke
Arthur Duke has been a Frontier Boy associated with Frontier Girls Troop 109, Big Sandy TX, since he was Level ). At Level 3 he earned his Fruit of the Spirit and Liberty Awards, and 4 Servant’s Hearts while also being an active member of the local Boy Scout Troop.
For the first two years of his Eagle level (level 4) the Frontier Boys met at home to do badgework. In 2015 the Frontier Boys started meeting on a weekly basis with Frontier Girls Troop 109. During this time Arthur earned various badges at Eagle Level and served the Troop as Troop Photographer and by providing technical expertise with computers/lighting/sound systems/etc for meeting locations and presentations. As we added more Frontier Boys to our Troop, Arthur became the role model for the younger boys and took on a leadership role within the Troop.
In June of 2016, having his Eagle Level Discovery, Liberty and Fruit of the Spirit Awards completed, as well as 78 Merit Badges, he decided to follow his sister Charlotte’s example and earn his Eagle Level Gem Award, WOW! Award and each of the Majors in all 9 Areas of Discovery.
For his Make a Difference Award he partnered with the East Texas Patriot Guard Riders to make their Star Appreciation Packets for veterans, first responders and those who otherwise serve their country. This activity will be passed down to other Troop members who wish to coordinate a community service project for Make a Difference Awards at their levels. J
The Eagle Level Life Skills Achievement Award was particularly challenging for him as he has battled with dyslexia for many years, finally making progress to become functionally literate. He is already half way through the Owl Level Life Skills, as they are more practical and less reading-intensive, and should complete them during the summer. J He has earned 18 Servant’s Hearts at Eagle Level and is always willing, cheerful and friendly when he serves.
The Majors provided Arthur with a wealth of experience! For his Agriculture Major he volunteered at Windridge Equestrian Therapeutic Center of East Texas working on erosion control and landscaping maintenance; for the Art Major he designed and constructed a complex Lego exhibit for the local library; with the Character Major he helped set up, run and maintain the sound system for a Church convention; for Health and Safety he cleaned the local volunteer fire department; for the Home Major he worked at the local food and clothing bank; the Knowledge Major he volunteered at the library; Outdoors Major he cleaned carriages, carts and other equipment for Windridge; Science & Technology he cleaned, tested and repaired electronic/technical/computer donations for the local thrift store; for the World Major he assisted the docents and staff at the East Texas Oil Museum. Careers shadowed include: Agricultural Products worker; Woodworking Artist; Cabinet-shop worker; Church Treasurer/Secretary/Custodian; Impound Lot Manager; Volunteer Fire Department Training Officer; Machine-Embroidery Artist; Television Reporter; City Water Department Worker; Sound Engineer/Computer Specialist; Docent. Everywhere he went, he was asked if he would like to come back and work some more!
Arthur has now completed his Diamond Gem Award as well as his Diamond WOW! Award with 108 merit badges at Eagle level. He worked diligently through the year to make steady progress towards the goal!
Arthur’s immediate plans include: volunteering at the local VFD to become a volunteer firefighter; interning with a horse-trainer, and continuing his education so that he can overcome his dyslexia, disgraphia and discalulia. Now that he is 18 he has his learner’s permit and plans to get his full license as soon as possible with a view to getting a CDL in time. He also plans to advance to Owl Level where he will continue to mentor the younger Frontier Boys in Troop 109.
We are so grateful for the Frontier Boys/Quest programme that has allowed Arthur to excel! He has worked hard and has achieved much in his four years at Eagle Level.
Photo: Arthur Duke with Troop Leader Sylvia Duke
Photo credit: Sherry Aga