Destined to be a Scout

My name is Jason Mitchell McMullen and Scouting, you might say, has always been a family affair.

My three older brothers all became Eagle Scouts. My mother, Marcy, was my Den mother and my Dad, Brian, is our Troop's Scoutmaster. On top of all that, I was born on the 4th of July. It was my destiny.

I joined Cub Scout pack 331 in first grade. Childhood scouting trips included white water rafting and skiing.  I spent many wonderful summers at Forestburg, the Monmouth Council Scout Reservation, learning valuable skills in orienteering, pioneering, cooking and teamwork. The West Point Academy, Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy trips were highlights during my early scouting years.  I attended two National Jamborees with my father that allowed me to see the larger Scouting movement of the United States, and met other scouts from many different states, including Hawaii.  High Adventure trips like outback hiking in Philmont, New Mexico and canoeing in the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and Canada are unforgettable.

My fellow scouts elected me to the Order of the Arrow, a Scouting fraternal organization, and during my Scouting years I've held positions of Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Instructor, and Chaplain Aide.

For my Eagle Scout project, I led a team of Scouts and high school friends in repairing the foot bridge on the Ramanessin Creek in Holmdel and relocating a portion of the trail away from wetlands encroachment. Our team spent approximately 200 hours of volunteer time on the project, and we're grateful for the support of many local merchants who donated materials for the project. We're proud that the project has made the trail safer for the many hikers who enjoy the abundant wildlife and forest of the Ramanessin Trail.

I'm a junior at Holmdel High School, a member of the Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track teams, High School Key Club, and Future Business Leaders of America. From Scouting I've learned the value of community service. I hope to use the many lessons of leadership, character, skills and knowledge that scouting has afforded me into my college years, the business world and for the rest of my life.