Devon 50 Court Of Honor Salutes Eagle #265
Nathan Phipps

The Devon 50 Court of Honor was convened June, 2006
by Al Plambeck, Devon 50 Trustee

Charge given by J. B. Rettew, Devon  50 Trustee

Nathan Phipps began his scouting career in Charlestown, PA where he got involved with Cub Scouts in Second Grade at Charlestown Elementary School. He received his Arrow of Light from Pack 67 in Fourth Grade. Following his Arrow of Light, Nathan and one of his closest companions, Charlie Andersen began looking for scout troops and found a great fit in Devon 50.

Nathan served as Den Chief for a local Cub Scout pack, was Assistant Patrol Leader of Eagle Patrol, and after being inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 2004, he became the Troop Representative for Devon 50 at O.A. Lodge 22. Also in 2004, he earned the Silver Buckle Award at Camp Horseshoe after being given the position of acting Senior Patrol Leader for the week. Early on, Nathan earned his double set (most possible) of spheroids; his most prized piece of his uniform; although he is also proud to be the last scout to have a beret bearing the gold trefoil (the beret hasn’t fit for years but he won’t give it up). Nathan’s The Merit Behind the Badge essay was selected to be included in Devon 50’s, 75 Years of Service. 

Nathan graduated this year from Delaware County Christian School and despite the stiff international competition; Nathan was accepted to Rhode Island School of Design where he will attend this fall. While at DC, he was a member of the School’s Technical Crew for two years (this year acting as Assistant Technical Director for all high school lighting and audio / visual functions directly under his teacher / advisor, Mr. Crane). He was President of the Habitat for Humanity / service club for two years, a member of the Student Senate all four years (this year as the executive treasurer), an awarding-winning photographer, toured with the Concert Choir and a member of the National Honor Society. He was also the Founder and President of the school’s Frisbee Club, which brought students and faculty members together for some off-line interactive fun. For graduation, the School’s student body voted “hands down” (to quote the teacher presenting the award) to receive the annual Christian Service Award, awarded to a senior that “consistently participated in school activities with a willingness to serve others in a positive attitude”. For sports, Nate enjoyed school soccer and track and field. He was an 2004 All-Conference high jumper and qualified for districts in the triple jump.

Nathan’s Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project involved building an “outdoor classroom” in his high school’s Quad, involving the design, fabrication and installation of 12 benches with permanent footings in the form of two concentric semi-circles. The idea was inspired by the outdoor learning facilities at Camp Horseshoe and was intended to help break-up the monotony of the school day and encourage an appreciation for the outdoors. Nathan was quoted as saying “the project took way more time than I thought it would, but it was worth it.” In the end, including all planning time, working hours and paper work, the project took 444 hours.

Nathan’s favorite scouting trips took him to West Virginia for the caving excursions and Seneca Rock hikes. In fact, he enjoyed it so much he organized a camping trip for his church’s youth group to experience the caves and Seneca. Nathan’s faith took him to Serbia to build and conduct summer camps and to the Dominican Republic to assist with child patient care at Cure International’s hospital.

Nathan would like to thank the following special people: His Eagle Service Project workers, too many to name, his church’s youth group leader and former scout, Rob Sperry for his faith, dedication and love of the great outdoors, his scouting mentors Mr. Scott, Mr. Coonley, Mr. Cavanaugh, Mr. Purdy and Mr. Haerland for guiding him through the years of scouting, and his parents for helping him so much with the final stages leading up to and including earning the rank of Eagle Scout.