Elgin's Troop 38 welcomes first Eagle Scout

Daniel Alexander Aykroyd of Scout Troop 38 in Elgin received his Eagle Scout rank at the troop's first Eagle Court of Honor on Saturday, April 17, at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge in Elgin. He is the son of Jenny and Daniel Aykroyd and the older brother of Brendan.

Alex, as he is known to those who are familiar with him, began his Scout journey as a Founding Member of Troop 38 when he was in fifth grade. During his Scout journey, Alex served his troop in many leadership positions: he has been a Patrol Leader, a Senior Patrol Leader and an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and he is currently serving as a Troop Guide.

In further achievement in scouting beyond required merit badges for the Eagle Scout rank, Alex has earned his Eagle Bronze, Silver, and Gold Palms. Alex is also a member of the Order of the Arrow with Lowaneau Allanque Lodge 41 of Three Fires Council.

Alex has attended numerous campouts and scout activities with his troop including scout summer camps at Camp Freeland Leslie in Wisconsin, Owasippe Scout Reservation in Michigan, and Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch and Adventure Base in South Dakota. A memorable experience for Alex was earning his Swimming merit badge in cold 55-degree water in South Dakota.

To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, Alex has been self-driven to be the best he can be and he was inspired by an aspiration to serve his community.

His Eagle Project consisted of designing, planning and overseeing the building of helmet cubbies for a local baseball league.

Alex wishes to thank his Eagle Scout project mentor Patrick Cordes and his other Eagle Scout mentors Dave Carroll and Jason Johnston for their guidance. He also wishes to thank Troop 38 scouts and leaders and his family members for project support. In addition, he is thankful for donations of supplies for his project received from Central District Baseball League.

Alex is currently a sophomore at Burlington Central High School. He is an honor roll student who is also involved in his school community through extracurricular sports and activities like the baseball team, Academic Bowl, and chorale.

His scouting experience has made him independent and has driven Alex to live the Scout Law in all aspects of his life.

Troop 38, established in 2015, is a Scouts BSA Troop run by the Scouts of Central Unit District 301 schools. Follow Troop 38 on Facebook.