Cumming receives top Boy Scout honor of Eagle rank

KING CITY – Royce Cumming from King City has been one of the few that has attained the highest rank in the Boy Scouts: Eagle Scout.

“Staying with it is something that I have enjoyed,” said Royce Cumming. “I really enjoyed camping and things that I have made.”

Cumming has been part of Troop 101, where he received his new Eagle Scout rank. He has been involved in Cub Scouts since 2002 and Boy Scouts since 2005.

Now 18, Cumming earned his Eagle rank officially April 26, his birthday. He graduated from Templeton High School and is off to San Diego State in the Fall, and will major in Biology.

Less than four percent of the people who start Boy Scouts achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. There are extensive requirements to be an Eagle Scout, which include earning merit badges for mastering subjects while continuing to meet other requirements, like service projects for each rank. On top of that, Scout qualities like citizenship and leadership are also invaluable.

For his Eagle service project, Cumming made two planter boxes with benches in San Lorenzo Park behind the DeAnza Building.

Cumming said, “We had to talk to the rangers and figure out projects that needed to be done.” It took about two years from the planning, to construction to completion all while being a student in high school. The Eagle Scout project advisor approved and he was cleared to receive his earned rank.

After receiving a flyer from school, Cumming brought it to his dad. His dad John had also been a Boy Scout and Cumming got involved, at that time as a Cub Scout. Cumming’s dad John has also stayed involved with the Boy Scouts by being a scout master for the troop.

To commemorate him earning his Eagle rank, Troop 101 held an event to celebrate with over 100 community members, past teachers, friends of the family, fellow scouters, VFW members and Boy Scout Council members attended on May 26.

The person who pinned his new rank on him, in traditional Boy Scout suit, was his mother Connie Cumming. She said, “We knew he had that ability.”

His father John Cumming said, “He had dedication and desire. We’re proud of him because I know what it takes from the inside, you know.”

Connie Cumming said, “It’s not something he did for himself. He did it for his family and the people that support him.”

Troop 101 was chartered by VFW Post 6747. For a new troop, three Eagle Scouts have come from it, including Cumming, Bradley Reyes and Joey Sturgill.

“We have a fairly new troop and the three of us have been the first ones to achieve Eagle,” said Cumming.



For the complete article see the 06-27-2012 issue.

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