Michael Manning – # 259

Michael was raised in Devon and Berwyn. One of Mike's first contacts with scouting occurred when, at age five, he was adopted by his brother’s Paoli 1 patrol as its unofficial 'mascot'. For the next several years, he reveled in anything to do with the patrol and troop events. He entered scouting (formally) as a Cub Scout with Pack 112, and was awarded the Arrow of Light before joining Devon 50 in 2000. His first patrol leader was Mike DeMul, who taught him best that a patrol is about looking after each other. His subsequent patrol leaders were Jeff Colquitt and Nick Purdy, who both reinforced the importance of the patrol. Mike was asked to lead the Owl Patrol in early in 2003, and he did so until June, 2004. His term as a patrol leader of Owl was one of the most meaningful periods of time in scouting for Mike.

Mike has over 80 nights camping and 240 miles hiking with the troop, and more with his family. Mike’s most memorable event was backpacking at Philmont last summer. He enjoyed the sometimes grueling hikes, his friends, everything about the staffed camps, and a talk he had with Bill Cass, Ranger Emeritus, on Trail Peak. Mike was elected to the OA in 2001. In 2003, he was awarded the Devon 50 Future Leader Award. In 2004, he was awarded the Devon 50 Future Leader Award, the Kilcullin Plaque, the J.B. Rettew III Trophy, and the Edmond J. Purdy, Jr., Award. His patrol won the Crawford Cup and Lenker-Flood Plaque.

Mike's Eagle project was the construction of a raised-bed garden and container garden area for Home of the Sparrow in West Chester. The project involved construction of the garden itself, a paved border, trellises, and free-standing outdoor shelving. The project was begun with the help of Chester County Community Gardens.

Mike is a sophomore at Conestoga High School. He plays cello for the school’s orchestra, the Delaware County Youth Orchestra, PMEA District Orchestra, and a string quartet. He plays snare drum for Conestoga’s marching band, and also plays guitar.

Mike would like to thank his brother Neal for introducing him to the experiences of scouting, and for his love. He would like to thank his dad for all of the time spent camping and hiking with him. He would like to thank his mom for her active support of all of his activities and work, and for her love and patience.

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