It was one of the best days of Sean Chilson’s life.
This summer, Chilson, 18, was awarded the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement attainable in the Boy Scouts of America.
Since BSA’s inception in 1910, only 4% of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process.
Chilson, of Troop 1082, was awarded the rank with his best friend who introduced him to the Scouts 13 years ago.
“I started in first grade when a random kid dragged me into Boy Scouts, and that kid later became my best friend,” Chilson said. “We both ended up becoming Eagle Scouts together and held our ceremonies at the same time.”
After advancing in seven ranks over the years, Chilson honed in on developing skills such as leadership, responsibility, self-reliance, citizenship and how to participate in a group.
The rank of Eagle Scout may be earned by a Scout who has been a Life Scout for at least six months, has earned a minimum of 21 merit badges, has demonstrated Scout Spirit, and has demonstrated leadership.
Scouts also must plan, develop, and lead a service project, the Eagle Project, which demonstrates both leadership and a commitment to duty.
After all requirements are met, they must complete an Eagle Scout board of review.
“When the reviewers said I passed, I broke down crying. It was probably the happiest day of my life,” Chilson said. “It was worth all the work, time and mental blocks to get to that point and make it all the way.”
Chilson, a graduate of Waiakea High School, spent countless hours earning merit badges and meeting all the requirements to move up in rank all while attending school.
Along with Scouts, Chilson was vice president of the Leo club and a member of the track, cross-country and paddling teams.
“There was one point where I wanted to give up, and no one let me. And I’m glad they didn’t,” Chilson said. “When you have so much going on, it’s hard to keep up mentally. Once you get through those mental blocks, it’s worth it.”
To achieve Eagle Scout rank, Chilson decided to build benches for kids and teachers at the Hale Aloha Nazarene School in Hilo for his service project.
“I thought this project was a great way to come full circle since this is my old church and my old preschool,” Chilson said. “I’ve never worked with wood before, but it was nice giving back to my old school.”
One the best aspects of the Scouts for Chilson has been experiencing new things and seeing new places.
“The experience getting all the different merit badges is so great. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to fly a plane, but here I am,” Chilson said. “There are so many benefits to Boy Scouts. Advancing in rank requires at least two years of leadership experience and that in itself is valuable to anyone.”
Earlier this month, Chilson officially left his hometown of Hilo to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a teaching degree.
“It’s nerve-wracking, and I’m trying to make sure I pack everything,” Chilson said. “It is exciting, though, and I’m ready for something new, partly because of my Scouting experience.”
Chilson hopes more kids decide to try Boy Scouts in the future.
“I’d encourage it, because it’s fun, and it feels good to stick with something for so long,” Chilson said. “It’s a really good experience when I look back on it, and I hope it continues to help people do new things.”
Prospective members of Boy Scouts of America are welcome to join the program at any time throughout the year.
For more information about Scouting on the Big Island, call (808) 595-6366 or email alohacouncilbsa@scouting.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.