Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is a monumental milestone, one that speaks to perseverance, dedication, and a love for Scouting. For Seth Dowell, this accomplishment is even more special—he becomes the fourth Eagle Scout in his family, following in the footsteps of his father and two older brothers. His path to Eagle, however, has been anything but ordinary.
Seth’s Scouting adventure began as a Lone Scout in the Transatlantic Council while his dad was stationed at a remote military base in southern Spain. With no troop nearby, Seth had to navigate the program largely on his own. Yet, this experience provided unique opportunities, including an unforgettable summer when Seth and his two older brothers organized their own summer camp. They embarked on a self-led adventure, cave camping on the stunning beaches of Portugal, which served as their introduction to the spirit of Scouting.
After returning to the U.S. in the fall of 2019, Seth joined Troop 94 in the Colonial Virginia Council, where he spent three years building friendships, earning merit badges, and growing as a Scout. In 2022, his family moved once more, this time to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. Seth and his older brother joined Troop 411, where he quickly took on leadership roles. Over the past two years, he has served as Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Instructor, and even as Secretary for the Order of the Arrow Kwahadi Lodge.
For his Eagle Scout project, Seth took on the restoration of a dilapidated wishing well at Oasis State Park. This unique project involved fortifying a once-neglected wishing well that had served as a donation box. Due to concerns about vandalism, the park needed the well to be sturdy enough to be moved in and out for events using a tractor or forklift-type equipment. Seth led the efforts to reinforce the structure, ensuring it was solid and weatherproofed, ready to withstand the elements and be a feature of community events. The restored wishing well now stands ready to serve the park once again, blending tradition with practicality.
Beyond his achievements in Scouting, Seth is a dedicated volunteer, offering his time as a children's leader in a local church AWANA club. His commitment to helping others and his leadership skills shine through both in and out of uniform. Balancing his community involvement with his academic pursuits, Seth is an early college student working towards an associate’s degree in mathematics, setting the stage for a future in mechanical engineering.
Seth’s journey reflects the true spirit of Scouting—one of adaptability, resilience, and adventure. Even as his family prepares for another move in December to northern Japan, where Seth will finish his final 18 months as a youth in Troop 14 in the Far East Council, his commitment to the Scout Oath and Law remains unwavering.
Congratulations, Seth, on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. You’ve proven that no matter where life takes you, the values of Scouting can be carried across borders and into new experiences. Your story is an inspiration to Scouts everywhere, showing that the path to Eagle, while not always direct, is always worth the journey.
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