The youth of Wright County are heirs to a proud tradition of scouting that began when legendary Scoutmaster Howard Schoonover established the first scouting troop west of the Mississippi on January 24, 1911, right here – in Eagle Grove. Among the notable scouts to come out of Eagle Grove was Aaron Eillerts whose tragically short life of impressive service inspired the state of Iowa's Character Counts award for remarkable young people and the official Iowa holiday, Aaron Eillerts Day. And now another local scout stands on the brink of setting a new milestone in local scouting history, as she works towards becoming the first local girl to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank in scouting.
Becoming an Eagle Scout has profound implications for a young person's future. It is widely recognized as a significant achievement that is a testament to a person's dedication, hard work, and character. As many Eagle Scouts throughout history have gone on to great accomplishments in business and society, the rank has become the hallmark of leaders and change makers. As such, the rank is known to open doors to opportunities, and can lead to positions of leadership and influence.
But for most of the history of scouting, membership in the Scouts BSA (originally Boy Scouts of America) was limited to males. And thus too was the chance to challenge oneself and earn the rank of Eagle Scout, and all the opportunities it can bring.
In recent years, under the leadership of current scoutmasters Rick Dawson and Craig Voss, several local young men have achieved that prestigious rank. Now, Renee Withers, who currently holds the second highest rank in scouting as a Life Scout, is closing in on completing the requirements to earn the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. When she does, she will become the first female Eagle Scout in Wright County, and the latest scout from Eagle Grove to make her mark in scouting history.
Withers began her scouting career as a member of the local Girl Scouts troop, while, like Eillerts, she was a student at Robert Blue Middle School. But in 2019, out of a desire to participate in more outdoor activities (and, she hoped, to go horseback riding) she decided to become a founding member of Eagle Grove's girls troop of BSA, along with Katelynn Barron, Emily Dawson, Rosie Thul, and Renee's younger sister Anna Withers, under founding Scoutmaster Emily Clausen.
Reflecting on her scouting experiences, Withers recounted a memorable trip to Wyoming, where she participated in a land cleanup service project aimed at restoring campsites to their natural state – and was lucky enough to have a memorable encounter with a majestic wild moose. When asked why else she remembered the trip so fondly, despite it involving a lot of hard physical labor, she chuckled and replied, "I just like cutting stuff down, I guess." Other highlights in her time in scouting which she reflected upon included camping in a museum, and visiting Mount Rushmore.
And while her scouting journey has been mostly positive for Withers, she also humorously recalled her worst experience: trying to earn her swimming merit badge. "I just couldn't do that annoying swim test," she said with a laugh.
Withers' leadership qualities have shone throughout that journey, leading her to be chosen for the role of Senior Patrol Leader for the girls' troop, a position she has held for several years. And she has amassed a series of accomplishments along the way, to establish an impressive scouting resume.
Over the years Withers has logged over 100 miles of hiking, 60 nights of camping, over 230 hours of community service, and approximately 1,600 days (over 4 years) in leadership. She has earned certifications in Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness Survival. She has earned numerous accolades, including the National Park Service's Ranger Award, the National Outdoor Achievement Award, recognition for Leave No Trace camping, the Scout Ranger Award, and the National Hiking Achievement Award. Recently, Withers was also inducted into scouting's most elite society, the Order of the Arrow (OA), an honor bestowed only on those scouts who exemplify the highest ideals of scouting. And having earned 34 merit badges showcasing her versatility and proficiency across various areas of scouting under her belt, she has completed 85% of the requirements for qualifying for the prestigious Eagle Scout Rank; and is well on her way to earning it, potentially even before her seventeenth birthday.
She is also, incidentally, about to finally fulfill her dream of horseback riding on an upcoming camping trip.
Now, all that stands in the way of Wither's goals are a few more merit badges, and the completion of her Eagle Scout service project. In order to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, candidates must demonstrate their competency, qualities of leadership, and dedication to community by completing a service project that makes a tangible difference.
Each candidate is encouraged to choose a project with special meaning for them. And as a bit of a history buff, Withers has spent significant time exploring Eagle Grove's historical museum in the old Carnegie library, itself an historic location. And she noticed that one thing the recently remodeled museum lacked was proper signage identifying the facility. And so she chose as her project to design and arrange production of a sign to stand outside the museum, and lettering on the entry doors as well.
Ron Mohr, President of the Eagle Grove Museum, who Withers said spent significant time teaching her tidbits of local lore, expressed the museum's gratitude to the Eagle. "She seems like a really nice gal and very interested in history and the community," Mohr said. "We're happy to help, and glad she's helping us out."
The production cost of the signs, which Withers sourced locally through Red Head Tribe Logos, amounts to just over $200 each, including shipping. As a precautionary measure, she ordered an additional sign in case of any damage. Costs yet to be incurred include the building of the sign trestle that will hold the signs. To recoup these costs (as well as to raise funds for troop activities) Withers is planning an Ice Cream and Kool-Aid fundraiser on July 12, starting at 10:00 am and running up through the parade (scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.) or while supplies last.
Those who wish to contribute to the project's costs or support the scouts in any way are encouraged to contact Scoutmaster Craig Voss at (515) 851-2992.
In her pursuit of the Eagle Scout rank, Renee follows in the footsteps of her older brother Dwayne Withers, who overcame his own challenges with autism as well as all the challenges involved in earning the highest rank in scouting, to become an Eagle Scout last year. And following in her footsteps is her younger sister, 14 year old Life Scout Anna Withers, who is likely to become Eagle Grove's next female Eagle Scout. And following in Anna's footsteps is 13 year old Life Scout Eli Withers, who was also recently inducted into OA, and is also on track to earn Scouting's highest rank.
Through significant challenges, the young Withers' siblings have shown great dedication, perseverance, community spirit, and a passion for outdoor adventure. Together they are creating a legacy of scouting excellence that seems destined to become a new family tradition. Their journeys exemplify the timeless legacy of scouting in Eagle Grove, reminding everyone that the pursuit of excellence knows no boundaries that cannot be overcome.
And as Renee blazes the trail to the highest rank in scouting for generations of local girls to come, clearing the path to achievement and opportunity for other local female scouts (including her sister Anna just behind her) it is clear that from now on – that includes gender.
