Eric Burns, a 15-year-old from Pleasant Gap, recently earned his Eagle Scout rank. This achievement was celebrated at a Court of Honor on July 12, 2025. Eric is part of Scouts BSA Troop 66 and is the troop’s 78th Eagle Scout. In addition, he holds the position of Second Vice Chief in the Order of the Arrow Monaken Lodge 103.
Throughout his scouting journey, Eric has collected 67 merit badges, far exceeding the 21 required for the Eagle rank. Many of these badges were earned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when classes shifted online. Despite the challenges, he stayed engaged with his troop and earned three silver Palms along the way.
For his Eagle Scout project, Eric renovated the food bank room at the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church. Working alongside volunteer Pat Benford, he led a team to remove old carpeting and wallpaper, paint the walls, and install new laminate flooring. After the renovations, Eric managed the restocking of food items onto the shelves, leaving the food bank looking refreshed and more organized.
The local community has expressed immense gratitude for Eric’s efforts. The food bank staff is thrilled with the renovations, praising Eric for his leadership and dedication. In addition to his project, Eric and fellow scouts will participate in “Scouting for Food,” an initiative where they’ll collect non-perishable food items to help fill the shelves of the food bank in the coming months.
Eric’s scouting adventures include attending summer camps and trips to places like the Philadelphia Phillies baseball game and the Smithsonian Constitution Center. Although he’s reached the Eagle rank, he remains active in scouting and has plans to visit Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico next summer.
Outside of scouting, Eric is starting his sophomore year at Bellefonte Area High School, where he’s an honor roll student, plays in the concert band, and participates in the Track and Field team. His passion for these activities shows his commitment to both his community and his personal growth.
To provide perspective on the impact of youth organizations like Scouts, a recent survey found that 75% of participants believe scouting fosters leadership skills that last a lifetime. This emphasizes how projects like Eric’s not only benefit the community but also help young adults like him develop vital life skills.
Eric is the son of Marc and Stacey Burns, and his dedication serves as an inspiration to others in the Pleasant Gap community.
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