Robert Bishop Earns Eagle Scout Status

Editors Note: The following profile of a new Eagle Scout from Troop 431 is one  of six in a series that will run before the story of their Court of Honor is published.

sophomore Robert Bishop, 15, was one of six members of  Boy Scout Troop 431 of East Texas to receive his Eagle Award Feb. 4 at in Wescosville.

He began scouting 10 years ago as a Cub Scout and has served the troop as an assistant patrol leader, scribe and patrol leader council’s scribe. He also served as a den chief for Cub Pack 431.

Bishop earned 36 merit badges, hiked 238 miles, and camped 83 nights with Troop 431. He attended the High Adventure trip to Florida Sea Base in 2011.

Bishop is also an Ordeal Member of Order of the Arrow, the induction into which, according to the Boy Scouts of America, requires that the scout complete an ordeal which is intended to emphasize service and self-sacrifice. Candidates maintain complete silence, sleep alone overnight, receive small amounts of food and perform camp work projects.

For his Eagle Project, Robert doubled the size of Bethany United Methodist Church’s pre-school playground, rebuilt three playground benches, installed playground-quality mulch, replaced weed guard, added a decorative flower bed, extended a privacy barrier of arborvitae to protect the children’s privacy from a major road, and washed the existing playground equipment.

Robert lives with his parents, Len and Leslie Bishop and sisters Allison and Corinne in Lower Macungie Township.

Outside of scouting, Robert is a member of the Emmaus High School Band, where he plays oboe. He is also a member of the Emmaus High School Swim Team, and last year earned his varsity letter. Robert also swims on the local summer swim league team, the Lazers, as well as the local club league swim team, EMAC.

Robert hopes to attend Carnegie Mellon University after graduating from high school.