Scouts from Troop 117 in Plymouth Meeting were recently recognized for their achievements during the fall edition of their Court of Honor. During a Court of Honor, Scouts receive earned badges, patches for completed activities, and advancements in rank.

Troop 117 is a very active troop that meets on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Plymouth Meeting and takes eight camping trips each year. Youth can join Scouts BSA if they are at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade, and register on or after March 1. To be a Scout, previous experience with Cub Scouts is not required. For more information about Scouting and Troop 117, email info.col117@troopmaster.com.

Below are some highlights of the Scouts’ summer and Court of Honor.

In April, the six members of the Troop camped at Caledonia State Park and participated in the Peiper’s Cave Expedition in Central Pennsylvania. Scouts explored the multi-level cave, which included walking, crawling, and climbing through the passages.

In June, 11 Scouts traveled with adult leaders to Washington, DC, to camp and explore the nation’s capital. The Scouts used logistics planning to map out their schedule and travel plan. In addition to tours at the White House and the Capitol Building, the Scouts took part in a Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and walking tour of the National Mall visiting several monuments.

Seventeen Scouts participated in summer camp at Camp Rodney Scout Reservation on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The Scouts spent the week earning badges, completing a conservation project, completing a bay walk (in the bay) along the length of the reservation, and taking daily 6:00 a.m. polar bear plunges in the pool.

Nine Scouts and adults traveled to New Mexico in June for a 10-day, 50-mile hike, as well as a 15-mile white-water rafting adventure on the Colorado River. The Troop makes regular trips to Philmont Scout Reservation for a high-adventure challenge. The photo at the top of the article shows participating Scouts and adults, all of whom received a photo book of the trip.

While working towards becoming an Eagle Scout, Scouts progress through a series of ranks that signify their progress. Scouts who advanced in rank are: Kishore Manikandand (advanced twice over the summer, Scout and Tenderfoot), James Barlow (Scout), Brendan Murray (Second Class), Logan Tierney (Second Class), Will Finn (First Class), Sean O’Hara (Star), and Harry Finn (Life). Star and Life Scouts are in the final stages before advancing to Eagle Scout.

Fifteen Scouts earned 60 merit badges over the summer. The Scout earning the most merit badges was Andrew Ksiazek, who is pictured top left with his parents, David and Nicole Ksiazek. The Scouts earning badges are as follows: