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Beyond Eagle: Troop 63 Scout Luke Johnson Makes Kentucky History with Rare Four-Star Religious Award

For the vast majority of young people in Scouting America, reaching the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout represents the summit of their scouting journey. For Troop 63 Scout Luke Johnson, however, reaching that peak was simply a stepping stone to an even rarer milestone.

At a special ceremony held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Johnson was awarded both the God and Life religious emblem and the nationally recognized Four-Star Award. With this honor, Johnson becomes the first Episcopalian in the Diocese of Lexington, the first in the Bluegrass Council, and the very first Episcopalian in the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky to receive the Four-Star distinction.

Nationwide, less than one percent of all Scouts ever attain this level of religious achievement.

A Decade of Faith and Service

The Four-Star Award recognizes Scouts who systematically complete all four progressive religious emblems within their faith tradition from elementary school through high school. Johnson’s journey began more than a decade ago:

  • God and Me (May 2014): As a first-grade Tiger Cub, Johnson earned his first emblem, presented at St. Peter’s by the Rev. Mother Chris, after completing a service project planting flowers near the church’s lower parking lot.
  • God and Family (January 2020): As a fifth-grade Webelos Scout, Johnson joined his fellow den members to study family values in faith and organized a community food drive.
  • God and Church (February 2023): As a middle schooler, Johnson recommitted to his spiritual growth by earning his third emblem, providing service through the revitalization and cleaning of the church courtyard.
  • God and Life (Current): His final emblem required rigorous, advanced study, including independent Scripture reading, targeted theological lessons, and five distinct community service initiatives.

Faith in Action

Rather than resting after achieving the rank of Eagle, Johnson discovered that one final religious challenge remained. To fulfill the stringent requirements for the God and Life emblem, Johnson demonstrated service and leadership across his community:

  • Facilitated the construction and painting of two “Little Free Pantries” to combat local food insecurity.
  • Coordinated the long-term stocking, maintenance, and upkeep of one of the community pantries.
  • Provided care and outreach to a neighbor recovering from an extended hospital stay, delivering a gift basket and volunteering to mow their lawn throughout their recovery.
  • Conducted interfaith interviews with two ordained clergy members of different denominations to explore how individuals discern and answer God’s calling.

Celebration Among Peers and Mentors

Fellow Scouts, leaders, and family members gathered to celebrate Johnson’s milestone. In attendance were Troop 63 Senior Patrol Leader Ethan Scott, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Max Hawkins, Scoutmaster Jason McDonald, and Troop Webmaster Samuel Miller.

Also present was Chartered Organization Representative Mikki Johnson, who shared the dual pride of serving as both troop leadership and Luke’s mother along with Luke’s Father, Wes Johnson .

Speakers commended Johnson’s perseverance, noting that while the Eagle rank is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity, continuing forward to earn all four faith emblems places him in an extraordinary category of his own.

The presentation closed with reflections on the perseverance, dedication, and grace required to complete a 10-year goal—a powerful example of servant leadership for younger Scouts across the Bluegrass Council.

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Troop 63 Celebrates Scout Achievements at Fall Court of Honor

September 8, 2026 — Scouts, leaders, and families of Troop 63 gathered on Tuesday evening, September 8, 2026, for their Court of Honor, celebrating an exceptional season of leadership, outdoor adventure, and personal growth.

During the ceremony, the troop formally recognized four youth members who earned a combined total of three rank advancements, 17 merit badges, and multiple special awards and certifications.

Reaching New Heights: Rank Advancements

The evening’s central highlights included three significant rank milestones along the trail from new Scout to Scouting’s summit:

  • Ethan Scott Has been recognized for earning the World Conservation Award.
  • Sam Allen Miller advanced to the rank of Star Scout (earned September 1, 2026), representing significant leadership within the troop, active service, and dedication to merit badge advancement.
  • Brantley Wayne Earlywine achieved the rank of Tenderfoot (earned July 7, 2026), marking a key early milestone as he masters core outdoor skills, physical fitness, and troop teamwork.

Individual Honors and Merit Badges

Scouts were also commended for expanding their proficiencies across specialized fields, ranging from emergency preparedness and high-adventure camping to artisan crafts and science:

Ethan Scott

  • Rank: Eagle Scout
  • Merit Badges (3): Horsemanship, Metalwork, and Pulp and Paper
  • Honors: World Conservation Award

Sam Allen Miller

  • Rank: Star Scout
  • Merit Badges (5): Camping (Eagle-required), Emergency Preparedness (Eagle-required), Swimming (Eagle-required), Climbing, and Photography
  • Special Awards: National Outdoor Award for Camping, National Outdoor Achievement Award

Luke Wesley Johnson

  • Merit Badges (2): Horsemanship, Pulp and Paper
  • Special Awards: Eagle Palm #6, World Conservation Award

Brantley Wayne Earlywine

  • Rank: Tenderfoot
  • Merit Badges (7): First Aid (Eagle-required), Fingerprinting, Fishing, Leatherwork, Model Design and Building, Railroading, and Sculpture
  • Certifications: Firem’n Chit, Totin’ Chip

Dedication to the Scout Oath and Law

Troop leadership commended all the youth for their hard work, commitment to outdoor ethics, and perseverance over the summer months. With summer camps and intensive badge work now concluded, Troop 63 looks forward to an exciting autumn filled with community service projects, backcountry treks, and continued advancement.

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Local Scout Ethan Scott Soars to the Rank of Eagle

August 11, 2026 — Ethan Scott of Troop 63 BOYS has officially reached the summit of his Scouting journey. On August 4, 2026, Ethan successfully passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review, earning the highest and most prestigious rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program.

Ethan’s journey to Eagle has been a remarkable demonstration of dedication, leadership, and a love for the great outdoors. Joining the Scouts BSA program in August of 2014, he has spent his entire life shaped by the program, steadily climbing the ranks, developing critical life skills, and serving his community.

To earn the rank of Eagle, a Scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, demonstrate Scout Spirit, and successfully lead a comprehensive service project. Ethan did not just meet these requirements; he far exceeded them. He completed his culminating Eagle project on June 30, 2026, paving the way for his final Board of Review.

Throughout his scouting career, Ethan has earned an astounding 44 merit badges—more than double the requirement for Eagle. His diverse badge collection spans a wide array of disciplines, including STEM (Chemistry, Engineering, Astronomy), outdoor survival (Wilderness Survival, Search and Rescue, Forestry), and personal development (Citizenship in Society, Personal Management, Communication). Because he earned so many merit badges beyond the initial 21, Ethan has also qualified for numerous Eagle Palms, signifying his continued pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

A true outdoorsman, Ethan’s Scouting record reflects a deep commitment to adventure. He has logged 71 nights of camping, hiked 34 miles, and accumulated 26.5 hours of community service. In recognition of his exceptional dedication to outdoor adventures, he was recently awarded the National Outdoor Achievement Award for Camping. He also holds his Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chit certifications, demonstrating mastery in woods tools and fire safety.

Beyond his individual achievements, Ethan has been a vital leader for his peers. He took on the demanding role of Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 0063 in February 2024, guiding and mentoring younger scouts. His commitment to the ideals of Scouting was further recognized by his peers when he was elected to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, in March of 2025.

For Ethan, Scouting has been a transformative experience. Guided by the Scout Oath and Law, he traces his commitment to helpfulness back to elementary school, where he would stay after lunch to help clean. Reflecting on the journey, Ethan notes that earning Eagle is a monumental life milestone that will serve him well in his future endeavors. “Without Scouts, I doubt I would be the same person,” he shared.

Looking ahead, Ethan has ambitious plans that perfectly align with his lifelong passions. A paleontology enthusiast since he was three years old—a dream reflected in his completion of the Geology, Nature, and Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badges—he plans to finish high school while participating in a senior-year co-op with Frank Ettensohn at the University of Kentucky. From there, he intends to earn his undergraduate degree at UK in paleontology and zoology. His academic journey will then take him to Chicago, Illinois, to pursue a PhD in vertebrate paleontology (the study of prehistoric reptiles and amphibians with spines) with a minor in paleozoology (the study of all prehistoric animals, preferably vertebrates). Ultimately, Ethan aims to take his Eagle Scout work ethic to Arizona, the premier state for vertebrate paleontology discovery.

Reaching the rank of Eagle Scout is a rare milestone achieved by only a small percentage of all Scouts. Ethan Scott’s extensive history of leadership, outdoor excellence, community service, and academic drive proves that he is truly deserving of this honor.

Congratulations to Ethan Scott, his family, and Troop 0063 on this momentous achievement, and best of luck on the road to becoming a paleontologist!

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Paris Troop 63 Scouts Bring Home Badges and Skills from Summer Camp

PARIS, KY — This summer, four dedicated scouts from Boy Scout Troop 63 packed their gear, rolled up their sleeping bags, and headed north to the beautiful Ransburg Scout Reservation in Bloomington, Indiana. Located on the shores of Lake Monroe, Ransburg is known as one of the premier scout camps in the Midwest, offering hundreds of acres of lush forests, aquatic adventures, and top-notch facilities. For one week, the scouts of Troop 63 immersed themselves in this incredible outdoor environment, working tirelessly to build new skills, earn merit badges, and advance in their scouting ranks.

Summer camp is a cornerstone of the Scouting experience, offering young men the opportunity to disconnect from screens and connect with nature. For Troop 63, it was a week of intense learning and personal growth across a wide variety of subjects.

Ethan Scott had a fantastic week, mastering a diverse set of skills. He brought home the Pulp and Paper and Horsemanship merit badges. For the Horsemanship badge, Ethan learned how to safely care for, groom, saddle, and ride horses. In the Pulp and Paper program, he discovered the science and history of papermaking, learning how to turn plant fibers into usable materials and even creating his own paper by hand.

Luke Johnson shared in the equestrian successes of the week, saddling up to earn his Horsemanship merit badge alongside Ethan. Luke also demonstrated his dedication to learning the industrial arts by earning his Pulp and Paper merit badge, showing a great balance of craftsmanship and outdoor adventure.

Sam Miller took full advantage of the great outdoors, focusing on high-energy and survival-based activities. Sam successfully earned his Photography, Climbing, Camping, and Swimming merit badges. To earn these, Sam had to master water safety and different strokes in Lake Monroe for Swimming, learn how to safely tie knots and belay up Ransburg’s impressive climbing tower, and practice important “Leave No Trace” outdoor survival skills for Camping. He also learned about lighting, focus, and composition to capture his camp memories on camera for his Photography badge.

Rounding out the impressive roster was Brantley Earlywine, who had an exceptionally busy and productive week. Brantley earned an outstanding six merit badges: Farm Mechanics, Fingerprinting, Sculpture, Model Design and Building, Leatherwork, and the critical Eagle-required First Aid badge. To achieve these, Brantley learned how to safely maintain and repair machinery, explored the science of identifying unique prints for law enforcement, and showed his creative side by molding 3D art and crafting scale models. He also learned traditional skills by stamping and lacing leather. Most importantly, his First Aid badge required him to master crucial life-saving skills, CPR, and emergency response. Beyond his merit badges, Brantley’s hard work paid off as he completed numerous rank requirements, putting him well on his way to achieving his First and Second Class Scout ranks.

Of course, these adventures would not be possible without the dedication of adult volunteers. Jason McDonald, the Scoutmaster for Troop 63, and Jeff Miller, the committee chair for the troop, attended as the scout leaders for the week, providing invaluable guidance and support to the boys. While at camp, Jeff Miller also took the time to further his own scouting education by successfully completing his Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) training to become a Scoutmaster!

The leadership and community of Paris, Kentucky, can be incredibly proud of Troop 63. These four scouts demonstrated the core values of the Scout Oath and Law—showing dedication, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to challenge themselves at one of the best scout camps in the country.

Congratulations to Ethan, Luke, Sam, Brantley, and their leaders on a highly successful summer camp at Ransburg Scout Reservation!

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Adventure Awaits: Pack 63 Explores the Depths of Carter Caves

The scouts of Pack 63 recently traded the familiar streets of Paris, KY, for the rugged terrain and subterranean wonders of Carter Caves State Resort Park. The weekend excursion provided an immersive outdoor experience for scouts of all ages, from the youngest Lions to the senior Webelos, fostering a spirit of discovery and teamwork.

From Forest Trails to Limestone Caverns

The weekend was defined by a blend of physical challenge and natural education. The scouts spent their days navigating the park’s extensive trail system, witnessing the diverse Kentucky flora and fauna before heading underground.

The highlight of the trip involved guided tours through the park’s famous cave systems. Scouts learned about:

  • Geological Formation: How water carved these massive limestone structures over millions of years.
  • Cave Conservation: The importance of protecting delicate ecosystems and local bat populations.
  • Outdoor Safety: Navigating low-light environments and uneven terrain responsibly.

Mentorship in Action: The Return of a Leader

A significant highlight of the trip was the presence of Den Chief Brantley Earlywine. Having recently reached the pinnacle of Cub Scouting by earning his Arrow of Light and crossing over to Troop 63 earlier this year, Brantley returned to his roots to assist the next generation of scouts.

As a Den Chief, Brantley serves as a vital bridge between the Pack and the Troop. During the weekend, he worked alongside Den Leader Jeff Miller to mentor the younger scouts in:

  • Basic Scouting Skills: Teaching essential knots and outdoor ethics.
  • Leadership: Demonstrating the “Scout Law” in action through his helpful and kind demeanor.
  • Encouragement: Helping the younger Lions and Tigers navigate the more challenging portions of the cave hikes.

A Foundation for the Future

Events like the Carter Caves campout are essential to the Pack 63 mission of building character and preparing youth for the “adventurous trek” into Scouts BSA. By experiencing the wilderness firsthand, scouts move from being led to taking their own first steps toward leadership.

The Pack extends its gratitude to the dedicated leaders and parents who made this trip possible, ensuring that the “Great Brotherhood of Scouting” continues to thrive in our community.

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Local Scout Launches “Junior Kentucky Paleontology Society” at University of Kentucky

For many kids, the fascination with dinosaurs and ancient fossils is a lifelong passion. Now, thanks to the initiative of a local Life Scout, young paleontologists in the area have a new place to dig into their interests right on the University of Kentucky campus.

Ethan Scott, a Senior Patrol Leader with Troop 63, has announced the creation of the Junior Kentucky Paleontology Society (Jr. KPS). Developed as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project, the organization is designed to bridge the gap between curiosity and education for children aged 8 and older.

A Passion for Prehistory

The project stems from Scott’s own deep-seated interest in the field. While a Kentucky Paleontological Society already exists at UK, Scott recognized a need for a dedicated space geared specifically toward a younger audience.

The Jr. KPS will focus on:

  • Educational Meetings: Learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and the prehistoric history of Kentucky.
  • Hands-on Activities: Crafting and learning sessions involving markers, construction paper, and other creative materials.
  • Community Building: Connecting kids who share a passion for the ancient world.

Meeting Location & Schedule

Meetings are held at the Mining and Mineral Resources Building on the University of Kentucky campus, located at 310 Columbia Ave, Lexington, KY 40508.

The Jr. KPS has established a robust schedule for its inaugural year, with all meetings set for 6:30 PM on the following dates:

  • Spring: April 24, May 22
  • Summer: June 26, July 31, August 28
  • Fall: September 26, October 23, November 20
  • Winter: A Christmas Party is planned for December (Date/Location TBD).

How to Support the Project

To bring this vision to life, Scott is seeking community sponsorships to fund essential supplies like pencils, paper, and educational kits. Supporters can choose from three “prehistoric” sponsorship levels:

LevelContributionIcon
Stegosaurus$25Full Skeleton
Triceratops$50Skull Profile
T-Rex$100Predator Skull

Donations can be made via:

  • Mail: Scout Troop 63 – PO BOX 27, Paris, KY 40361 (Checks payable to Teresa Archamboult).
  • Digital: Venmo (@Tarchamboult) or Cashapp ($Tarchamboult) with the note “Eagle Project.”
  • Pick-up: Contact Ethan directly at 859-704-0704.

Through this project, Scott isn’t just working toward the rank of Eagle; he’s building a community resource that ensures the next generation of Kentucky scientists has a place to start their journey.

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Brantley Earlywine Achieves Arrow of Light and Crosses Over to Troop 63

The Scouting community in Paris, KY, recently gathered for a momentous Crossover Ceremony honoring Brantley Earlywine. As a member of Cub Scout Pack 63, Brantley reached the pinnacle of his Cub Scouting journey by earning the prestigious Arrow of Light rank before transitioning into the ranks of Scouts BSA Troop 63.

The ceremony was guided by Den Leader Jeff Miller, who has mentored Brantley through the final stages of his Cub Scout trail, preparing him for the high-adventure responsibilities of a Scout.

The Arrow of Light: Scouting’s Highest Cub Scout Honor

Before crossing the bridge, Brantley was awarded the Arrow of Light, the highest rank a Cub Scout can achieve. This rank is unique because it is the only Cub Scout credential that a Scout is permitted to wear on their Scouts BSA uniform, signaling they are fully prepared for the trail ahead.

The rank’s symbol—a sun with seven rays—represents the seven virtues of a Scout:

  • Wisdom
  • Courage
  • Self-Control
  • Justice
  • Faith
  • Hope
  • Love

Brantley earned this honor by completing a series of rigorous “Adventure Pins,” including Personal Fitness, Citizenship, First Aid, Duty to God, High Tech Outdoors, and Swimming.

Understanding the Crossover: Building the Bridge

The “Crossover” is a symbolic transition where a Scout literally and figuratively leaves the “safety of the Pack” to join the “Great Brotherhood of Scouting.” In this ceremony, a bridge is used to represent the growth and change the Scout is undergoing.

How the Crossover Works:

  1. Reflection: The Scout looks back on their journey, which for Brantley began as a Bobcat.
  2. The Removal of Colors: Under the guidance of Den Leader Jeff Miller, the Cub Scout neckerchief and blue shoulder loops are removed, signifying the end of the Cub Scouting chapter.
  3. The Crossing: The Scout walks across a physical or symbolic bridge, leaving behind the world of family-led activities and entering a world of youth-led leadership.
  4. The Reception: On the other side, the Scout is met by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and the Scoutmaster of their new Troop.
  5. Investiture: The Scout is presented with their new Troop gear—for Brantley, this included the Troop 63 neckerchief and green shoulder loops.

A Community Celebration

The event also recognized the vital role of family and leadership. Ashley Earlywine, Brantley’s mother, was honored for her dedication and support throughout his journey.

Scoutmaster Jason McDonald and Senior Patrol Leader Ethan Scott officially welcomed Brantley into Troop 63, which is chartered at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

As Brantley steps onto the path toward Eagle Scout, his community celebrates his commitment to the Scout Oath and Law. Congratulations to Scout Brantley Earlywine!

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Troop 63 Scouts Visit Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace

Troop 63 had a memorable and educational end to their trip home from Camp Rotary, making a special stop at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. This visit was particularly meaningful for Scout Owen West, who needed to visit a national landmark to fulfill a requirement for his Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. Fellow Scout Sam Miller also attended, making it a valuable experience for both.

The scouts explored the site where Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin on February 12, 1809. The park features a beautiful memorial building that encloses a symbolic log cabin, representing the one in which Lincoln’s family lived. This monument stands as a powerful tribute to Lincoln’s humble beginnings. The scouts enjoyed learning about the history of the Sinking Spring Farm, the land where the Lincoln family lived before moving to Indiana.

After their visit to the birthplace, the troop continued their journey home. As they drove, they passed by the nearby Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek. While they were unable to stop and visit the museum and boyhood home on this trip, it served as a great point of interest and a reminder of the president’s early life. Lincoln lived at Knob Creek from the age of two until he was seven, and it was during this time that he first began to learn about farming and experience the world outside his home. The site includes a historic cabin and a scenic landscape, offering a glimpse into another chapter of Lincoln’s childhood.

This stop at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park provided a wonderful opportunity for the scouts to connect with American history firsthand, fulfilling a merit badge requirement while creating a lasting memory of their time together.

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Troop 63’s Adventure at Camp Rotary

Troop 63’s Adventure at Camp Rotary

The weekend was full of learning and achievement. A key part of the trip was a five-mile hike, which Owen West completed to fulfill a Second Class rank requirement. Scouts Sam Miller and Owen West took charge of the group’s meals, planning, organizing, and cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This hands-on experience helped them meet requirements for several ranks and merit badges, including Second Class, First Class, Camping Merit Badge, and Cooking Merit Badge.

Senior Patrol Leader Ethan Scott took the opportunity to mentor the younger scouts, working with Owen and Sam on identifying various plants in the area. This is a great example of scouts helping scouts. Meanwhile, Jeff Miller focused on helping Owen with a number of smaller requirements, ensuring the scout made significant progress during the trip. Jason McDonald and Mikki Johnson provided supervision and guidance for the cooking and cleanup, ensuring everyone worked together to get the job done.

An act of service was also performed by Luke Johnson, who is a junior firefighter. He left a new fire extinguisher at the campsite to replace one that was in need of a charge, a thoughtful gesture that contributes to the safety of future campers.

Overall, it was a highly productive and enjoyable trip that demonstrated the principles of leadership, teamwork, and service. The scouts worked hard, learned new skills, and had a great time in the process.

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Pack 63 Holds Registration

Pack 63 held a successful registration night to welcome new Cub Scouts, with support from their older counterparts in Troop 63. The event saw a great turnout of prospective scouts from kindergarten through fifth grade, eager to learn about the fun and adventure of Cub Scouting.

The evening was filled with engaging activities for the new recruits. Scouts had a blast playing games and working together to build a catapult, which provided a hands-on introduction to the kind of projects they’ll tackle in the pack. While the kids were busy, parents met with Pack 63 leaders to learn more about the program, its values, and how scouting helps shape young people.

Troop 63 showed their support by having several of their leaders on hand to help. Senior Patrol Leader Ethan Scott, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Luke Johnson, and former Den Chief Sam Miller were all there to assist with activities and answer questions. Their presence was a great example of the scouting spirit of mentorship and cooperation between the pack and the troop.

Overall, the registration night was a fantastic start for the new scouts and their families, kicking off a new year of scouting adventures.

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