2025 Guide to Advancement

 

There is a new Guide to Advancement book for 2025. It includes all of the latest information about how the advancement program should work. There are a couple of minor changes in how a Scout applies for the Eagle rank. 

The biggest change is a new application form that must be used. You cannot use the previous forms. Make sure you fill out the Jan 2025 version which includes the Scouting America logo. It also includes the other changes.

Another change is the number of reference letters that are required and who those letters should come from. In the past six letters of reference were requested. That number has dropped to four. Current unit leaders can no longer submit a reference letter. Their signature on the application is considered a recommendation. Parents or guardians are now strongly discouraged from providing a reference letter and religious leaders are allowed to submit letters but are not required. 

The links below will take you to the new guidebook, the new application form and some information sheets that summarize the new reference letter requirements. 

• 2025 Guide to Advancement
• Current Eagle Rank Application form
• Eagle Reference Instructions to Scout
• Summary of changes to reference letter requirements

2024 Eagle Scout Report

In 2024, the Old Ephraim District had 30 Eagle Scout ranks awarded with a total of 4,322 hours of service given to our community as a result. There were 26 young men, and 4 young ladies who received the rank of Eagle Scout. 

We recognized 4 outstanding projects for their excellent leadership, planning and development of their projects. These scouts showed compassion for their projects and put in time to serve our communities. These 4 Eagle Scouts had together 1,201 of the 4,322 given in their love of scouting.

The Eagle Scouts who were recognized at the Old Ephraim District Dinner are:

• Ian Hofmeister from Troop 1 for his project installing and repairing signage along the Jardine Juniper Trail
• Andrew Bullen from Troop 2 for his project building and replacing Care Boxes for every school in Cache County School District to help prevent suicides
• Matthew Olson from Troop 123 for his project building and installing Observation Bee Boxes for Strokes Nature Park
• Natalie Cornelson from Troop 314 for her project cleaning and labeling Cisterns and other essentials for the Box Elder County Emergency Preparedness group.

We like to ask each Eagle Scout as they come to their Eagle Boards what word they would choose to describe their scouting experience. Here is what they said:

• Resourceful 
• Helpful 
• Life Changing 
• Memorable
• Teaching 
• Determined 
• Amazing 
• Educational
• Forever 
• Adventure 
• Excellent 
• Experience
• Prepare 
• Outgoing 
• Helper 
• Guide
• Inspiring 
• Epic 
• Endure 
• Fun
• Impactful 
• Hard 
• Valuable 
• Exciting
• Commitment

Scouting is alive and well in our District. The values of scouting continue to make our valley a better place to live.

District Recognition Dinner

 

The annual Old Ephraim District Recognition Dinner and Business meeting was held on February 26, 2025 at the Logan Scout Office. Two adult leaders and four Eagle Scouts were presented with awards.

Jacob DeHart and Doug Wiser were presented with the District Award of Merit. 

Jacob DeHart is currently an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 47 in Hyrum, UT.  He is an Eagle Scout and was awarded the Vigil of Honor in the Order of the Arrow. He has been on Camp Staff at Hull Valley, has helped with various district events  and is Wood Badge trained.

Doug Wiser is currently an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 2 in Logan. He has served as a Scout leader for 25  years. He is Wood Badge trained and has earned the Scouter's Training and Scouter's Key award and has accompanied troops to summer camp for 22 years. 

Four Eagle Scouts were recognized for having outstanding Eagle Scout projects in 2024. 

Ian Hofmeister from Troop 1 for his project on the Jardine Juniper Trail installing and repairing signage. 
Andrew Bullen from Troop 2 for his project on the Care Boxes for the Cache County School District. Matthew Olson from Troop 123 for his project building Observation Bee Boxes for Stokes Nature Park. Natalie Cornelson from Troop 314 for her project labeling Cisterns other essentials for the County Preparedness group for Box Elder County.

Congratulations to all of them!