Three’s company in scouting family

Seaford’s Michael Fox has always looked up to his older brothers. On Aug. 17, he became their equal when he joined them among the exclusive group of Eagle Scouts.

The Eagle rank, the highest honor in Boy Scouts, is attained by only 5 percent of boys who enter the Scouts. Fox, 18, a member of Seaford Troop 581, now shares the distinction with his brothers, Robert, 25, and Joseph, 22.

Fox got his start in the scouts early on, joining Cub Scout Pack 581 when he was in first grade. As he moved through the ranks, he became more interested in the organization, and wanted to keep pace with his brothers.

“Seeing them become Boy Scouts and Eagles made me want to do it,” Fox said. “They became leaders themselves, admirable people in general.”

To become an Eagle Scout, a community service project is required. Fox spearheaded the beautification of the front of the Seaford Harbor Elementary School, which included the reconstruction of an existing garden. New soil was put down, and it was divided into six sections so each grade would have an area with plants and flowers to maintain.

Fox said he wanted it to be used as an outdoor classroom for students, where they could study plants. His project was completed last November, with the help of volunteers including fellow scouts, family and friends.

It took about a year of planning. Fox had to meet with the principal and superintendent, and make a presentation to the Board of Education to get approval. “I learned responsibility,” he said, “what it takes to execute such a project.”

Scouts also must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. Fox went beyond that, picking up 32. His favorites to earn were for climbing and rifle shooting.

Fox said outdoor activities have always been his favorite parts of scouting, specifically camping. He spent parts of many summers at the Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rhode Island. “It was a good way to bond with the troop,” he said, “and we were also able to accomplish a lot of merit badges while we were there.”

During his time in scouts, Fox has held several ranks including troop guide, patrol leader and senior patrol leader. Although he will soon be heading off to the College of New Jersey, where he plans to study mechanical engineering, he hopes to remain active in his troop by guiding the younger scouts.

In addition to the scouts, Fox was active in school, participating in two drama productions, the Jazz and Barbershop choirs, and the soccer team.

He said his father, Scott, was instrumental in his scouting career, serving as his cubmaster and scoutmaster. Scott Fox said he is proud to have raised three Eagle Scouts, and knows they are proud of the accomplishment as well. “It’s definitely a good thing,” he said. “It was a challenge but it was a good thing. They all enjoyed it.”

Scott Fox added that many scouts from Troop 581 earn their Eagle rank, which he said is a testament to an interesting scouting program with numerous trips and opportunities to learn leadership skills.

About 100 people attended Michael Fox’s Court of Honor ceremony at the Seaford American Legion Hall. Fox said having so many people come to the event just for him made him truly appreciate the greatness of his achievement.

As he moves on to the next chapter in his life, Fox said many of the lessons he learned from becoming an Eagle Scout will help him along the way. “It definitely gave me the skills I’m going to need no matter what occupation I go into,” he said, because Boy Scouts really shapes young boys into young men.”