Because he is 15, Aaron Urbanawiz, an Eagle Scout with Troop 1857 in Johns Creek, is too young to earn a driver’s license, but he is not too young to earn one of Scouts BSA’s highest honors: The National Medal for Outdoor Achievement.
This award is the highest recognition that a Scout can earn for exemplary achievement, experience, and skill in multiple areas of outdoor endeavor. This medal was first released in 2010 and is one of the rarest awards that Scouts can earn, but Aaron’s motivation to excel in Scouting didn’t stop there. He has also earned all 138 merit badges available for scouts to earn. Fewer than 600 members of the Boy Scouts of America in the last 100 years have accomplished this. As part of earning all of these merit badges, Aaron learned to ride a horse, became certified in scuba diving, went on a 20-mile day hike, learned to water ski, snowshoe, play the bugle, and took a class on surveying. In thinking about the merit badges he has earned, Aaron says, “Bugle was the most difficult to learn as I had never played a brass instrument before. It took me about a year to play the required calls.” The wide range of skills Aaron needed to learn to earn all of these badges has given him some unique experiences.
He learned automotive maintenance at the Porsche Headquarters in Atlanta, Aviation at Warner Robbins AFB, and metalworking from a local metalworking guild. He also spent time learning to sail in the Florida Keys, backpacking in the New Mexico Rocky Mountains, and rafting in the New River Gorge National Park. Looking back at the experiences he has had, Aaron remarked, “Over these past few years, I have met some really incredible people and I’ve had some incredible experiences. To all those who I’ve met, worked with, learned with, or served with along the journey, I just want to say thanks for all the memories, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.”
Over the past five years Aaron has spent as a member of Scouts, he has already spent over 150 nights camping, 300 hours on the water, 200 miles hiking, and 250 miles of riding. His age hasn’t stopped him from becoming a Leave No Trace trainer who teaches others the methods of low-impact camping, certified in wilderness first aid, and serving on the staff at a local Scouts BSA summer camp. Aaron is not planning his Scout retirement yet. His next goals include earning awards based on conservation service and serving his local community, continuing to serve in his troop leadership, and, of course, get his driver’s license. Aaron is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.