Wood receives top scouting awards

Published Thursday, March 27, 2008

By Staff

Jonathan Wood, 21, of Bridgeport recently received the Venturing Silver Award and Ranger Award, recognizing his accomplishments with Venturing Crew 121 in Decatur.

The Silver Award and Ranger Award are two of the highest awards in Boy Scouts of America Venturing program.

In order to receive the Silver Award, the highest award available, Venturers must complete a standard first aid course, receive CPR certification, complete the safe swim defense training course, lead or participate in a group swim using safe swim defense, complete a leadership skills course, serve in an elected position for at least six months, participate in ethics in action and earn at least one of five Venturing Bronze awards.

The Ranger Award is given to Venturers who complete eight core requirements and four electives.

Wood served as president of the crew last year and now serves in an advisory role.

He was the first Venturer in the crew's district to earn the Ranger Award.

He is also the assistant scoutmaster for Troop 194, the troop he joined when he was 11.

During his time as a Boy Scout, Wood was elected into the Order of the Arrow and also earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

"It was a lot of fun," Wood said of scouting. "We got to do a lot of stuff that I never got to do anywhere else. I basically learned leadership ability and that made me want to keep learning."

Wood said his experiences with Venturing Crew reinforced lessons learned in Boy Scouts, while offering a different social atmosphere as it is a co-ed program.

The program also expects the president and officers of the crew to organize meetings, trips and events rather than depending on a scout master.

After earning the Silver Award, Wood admits that he has many years ahead of him before he can earn another award.

Now, he is focused on completing his radiology certification through Weatherford College.

Wood is a 2005 graduate of Bridgeport High School.