In 2025 Nate, a Cub Scout in Pack 107, used what he learned from Scouting to recognize and help a young child from drowning. Because of his heroic efforts, Nate was just recently honored with the prestigious Medal of Merit. Read his full story given to us by his dad, an Eagle Scout, who recollected what happened while they were on vacation in Texas. 
“During spring break last year, our family was vacationing in Galveston, Texas. While at the hotel pool, Nate was swimming in the deep end when a younger child—approximately four to five years old—jumped into the pool while his family was not nearby. Almost immediately, it became clear that the child was unable to swim and could not touch the bottom. He began struggling to stay afloat and was having difficulty keeping his head above water.
Nate immediately recognized what was happening and swam over to help without hesitation. Although Nate himself could not touch the bottom and the water was above his head, he positioned himself next to the child and began treading water while lifting the child up repeatedly to keep his head above the surface. Nate’s own head went under the water several times as he continued supporting the child until the child’s older brother arrived. Together, they were able to help the child to safely reach the side of the pool and get out of danger.
As you can imagine, the child’s family was extremely grateful and relieved. Nate was proud that he knew what to do and had the confidence to act in a difficult and unexpected situation. As an Eagle Scout, what stood out most to me afterward was how quickly he connected the experience to the values he is learning through scouting. Nate talked about stories he had read in Scout’s Life that describe scouts helping others during emergencies, and he shared how this experience reminded him of the Scout Oath and Law—particularly the importance of helping others at all times. He was able to reflect on the moment not just as an event, but as a real-life example of putting those values into action.
We were incredibly proud of Nate, and the experience further strengthened both his—and our—enthusiasm for scouting and its values. We are excited to share this story with more families and to highlight for our community the positive impact scouting has on those involved, as well as the meaningful difference scouts can make through service to others.”
