Michael Vallen joined scouts in the first grade as a Tiger Cub. He was
a member of Pack 2 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He earned the
Arrow of Light and all twenty pins for Webelos. As a 5th grader,
Michael crossed over to Troop 2. That’s where Michael’s love of
scouting really began. Troop 2 took exciting trips including rock
climbing, winter camping at Valley Forge, white water rafting on the
Leigh River and ski trips. Summer camp was outstanding. Michael
went to camp every summer and earned many merit badges as a
young scout. Michael also had the opportunity to sail on the
Chesapeake Bay for a week at High Adventure Sailing. Michael was
inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 7th grade. Before moving to
Avon, CT, Michael had earned the rank of Life Scout.
Michael thought that Troop 2 was the best Boy Scouting Troop in the
US. In 2006 Michael’s family moved to Avon, CT. By the luck of a
faulty website, Michael decided to join Troop 175 in Simsbury, CT.
After a talk with Mr. Mead, he decided that Troop 175 was the right
troop for him. Michael was immediately accepted by the boys and the
adult leadership. He participated in most trips and was given the
opportunity to explore what New England has to offer. His favorite
trips were to Tuckerman’s Ravine, Zealand Hut, Stratton, Slide
Mountain, Smugglers Notch and the annual deep freeze. His biggest
accomplishment was to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro at the age of 14. After
three years as a member of Troop 175, Michael knows that he is now
in the best troop in the US.
Michael’s Eagle Scout Project was to rebuild the Avon Crew trailer.
After many years of abuse the trailer was falling apart. Michael is a
member of the Avon Crew. Michael felt that this would be a good
project not only for an Eagle Scout but it also would help his team.
Avon is a new team and this refurbished trailer helped build team
spirit. With the help of the Scouts of Troop 175, Avon’s Crew team
now looks like a professional team. Michael would like to thank Mr.
and Mrs. Duff, his crew coach Soo Passmoor, Mr. Mando, the scouts
of Troop 175, and his crew team for all their help and support during
this Eagle Scout Project.
Michael is currently a Junior at Avon High School. He is the stroke
of the Varsity 1 boat for his crew team, Captain of his Cross Country
team and a member of the swim team. He is a cadet in the Avon
Volunteer Fire Department. As a Scout he is Chief of the Immortals.
Michael would like to thank his family and friends for helping him
achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
