A Third Generation Eagle Scout

Some say that carrying on traditions is a thing of the past. That today’s fast paced lifestyle lends very little time to look back and take hold of something our parents enjoyed, or even rarer - something our grandparents felt passionate about. That is why when there is a chance to tell of a tradition being carried on, the story must be told.

Recently within our Council, a Scout earned his Eagle Badge. He was proud, not only for his accomplishment, but also for the fact that he was carrying on a family tradition. For not only was he a new Eagle Scout, he was the newest in a long list of Scouters within his family to do so.

Michael R. Greer of Troop 59, Weedsport, became an Eagle Scout on September 11, 2008. Some of Michael’s memories include: year round camping, visiting Gettysburg Battlefield, Summer Camps at Camp Barton, and Adirondack trips with the troop.

Gary A. Greer, Michael’s father, became an Eagle Scout on October 6, 1982 in Troop 59, Weedsport. Gary was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 1981, worked on Staff at Camp Rotary 1982, 1983, and took Voyager training in 1983. As an adult, Gary returned to Troop 59 and served as Asst. Scoutmaster from 2001 - 2003, and Scoutmaster from 2004 - 2008. Some of Gary’s boy scout memories are: attending and working on Staff at Camp Rotary, going to Philmont Scout Ranch - twice, and scouting with his Dad. As an adult Gary has fond memories of going to Gettysburg Battlefield, Adirondack trips with the troop, and scouting with his Son.

Harry Greer Jr., Michael’s Grandfather, became an Eagle Scout in April, 1954 with Troop 54 in Beaver Township, PA, Colonial Drake Council. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 1953 and attended Summer Camps at Camp Coffman. As an adult, Harry served as Scoutmaster in Troop 56 in Knox, PA from 1962 - 1964. When Harry moved his family to Weedsport he again became involved with scouting and served as a Webelos leader in Pack 59 1975,1976 - Asst. Scoutmaster in Troop 59, 1977 - and Scoutmaster in Troop 59 , 1978 - 1984. Some of Harry’s fondest memories as a leader were going to Philmont Scout Ranch and attending Summer Camp at Camp Rotary with his troop.

But it doesn’t end (or begin) there. Harry Greer Sr., Michael’s Great Grandfather, was also a life-long Scouter. He served as Scoutmaster for Troop 54 in Beaver Township PA from 1944 - 1952. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1967 from Colonial Drake Council.

The list would not be complete with the mention of Michael’s Great Uncles - both Eagle Scouts. Don Means (1953) and Bob Greer (1959).

So maybe there is something to this family tradition stuff. The Scouting Trail can lead to a life, or several lives of giving joy, making memories, and fulfillment of endless opportunities that can last throughout generations.