For every 100 young lads that join Boy Scouts of America, only two advance to the rank of Eagle.
On Monday, May 21, Brendon Krug, of Oxford, did his family, his troop and his community proud by achieving scouting’s highest rank.
‘I’ve been working on it for most of my life,? said Krug, a senior at Oxford High School.
Krug became the sixth scout from Troop 108 to become an Eagle and the fourth member of his family to attain the distinction.
‘It’s been a pleasure having him in the troop,? said Troop 108 Scoutmaster Rich Morton. ‘He’s always willing to help out. He steps forward to help with the younger scouts without being asked.?
Krug’s scouting odyssey began when he was 6 years old and joined Tiger Cubs.
Over the next 12 years, Krug completed all the requirements to continue climbing the ladder in scouting.
Year after year, he faced exercises and challenges designed to test his mind and body as well as shape his character and leadership abilities.
Looking back on his scouting career, Krug said the most important thing he’s learned is ‘how to be a better person.?
Along the way he also acquired medical skills (such as CPR and how to treat someone until an ambulance arrives), basic survival skills and lessons in money management.
His lifesaving skills came in handy in July 2003 when he, his brother and some friends saved a local teen from drowning in Clear Lake after he had passed out due to a medical condition.
Scouting gives boys the ‘ability and knowledge to step forward? in situations ‘where a lot of people wouldn’t or can’t,? Morton noted.
So committed was Krug to becoming an Eagle Scout, he quit his job at Meijer to ensure he met all the requirements prior to his 18th birthday, which he celebrated back in February.
‘Because it’s so difficult to become an Eagle, it really makes me feel great to be able to help these guys persevere and stick with it,? Morton said.
It’s amazing Krug found time to pursue the Eagle rank given he’s a National Honor Society student and he’s involved in various robotics teams as both a competitor and mentor.
His parents, Steve and Julie Krug, were behind their son’s efforts 100 percent.
‘I said you can work the rest of your life,? Julie said. ‘You have to complete this.?
Krug will graduate from OHS June 10, after which he plans to spend the summer working at Lost Lake Scout Reservation, a 2,385-acre Boy Scout camp near Clare.
In the fall, he will further his education at Oakland Community College for two years, then on to Michigan Technological University in Houghton. Krug wishes to pursue a career as an electronics engineer.