As Senior Patrol Leader for the adventure-oriented Boy Scout Troop 175 in Simsbury, Keegan has participated in many experiences most boys only dream about. With his troop, he has hiked 82 miles at Philmont Scout Ranch, hiked glaciers in Alaska, sailed in the Caribbean, built survival shelters, rafted in white water rivers, hiked the entire Presidential Mountain Range in a single day, and completed hundreds of hours of community service.
Recently, he went over the edge to help support Boy Scouts in Connecticut. Keegan as asked by the BSA Connecticut Rivers Council to help demonstrate his skills and rappel down the side of the 17 story Connecticut River Plaza - 450 Columbus Blvd in downtown Hartford.
A Giant Step for Scouting was a one-of-a- kind fundraiser that provided an opportunity for participants to experience of a life time while raising money to help support their important role in developing today's youth. Monies raised go to support Scouting programs, including after school programs for urban youth and camperships for needy youth. For over 100 years Scouting has helped young people become more productive citizens, leaders in their communities and business, and helped them develop a framework for ethical decisions. Keegan was called upon to show how a scout get's it done.
"I've done a lot of rock climbing with my troop in Simsbury, but never done something 17 stories tall", said 16 year old Life Scout Keegan. "The views of Hartford and the Connecticut River were spectacular. I enjoyed my rappel and only wish that more boys could experience scouting like I do. I also want to thank Connecticut Rivers Council for giving me an opportunity to experience something else that I will remember forever".
The Connecticut Rivers Council is one of New England's largest private youth-serving organizations, delivering Scouting programs that develop character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership skills to more than 32,000 youth and nearly 10,000 adult volunteers in 127 cities and towns in Connecticut. The Boy Scouts of America collaborates with hundreds of churches, school affiliated groups and other community organization that organize and operate local Scout groups.
Keegan is a member of Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175, based out of St. Mary’s Church on Hopmeadow Street. The troop is made up of adventure seeking boys aged 10 to 18 who share a love of the outdoors and a wish to learn to be self sufficient and have fun. The troop is accepting new enrollments and anyone interesting in learning more can attend a troop meeting at 7:00pm Thursday nights or go to www.SimsburyTroop175.org for more information.
