Meet Troop 476’s new Eagle Scout Nicholas Detterman

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Linda Detterman for the information in this story as well as the photos.)

After his third Boy Scout meeting, Nicholas Detterman burst through the front door and announced his intention to achieve the Eagle Scout rank.

On March 13, 2018, at the age of 13, he burst through the front door as Chelsea Troop 476’s newest Eagle Scout. His award ceremony was held on May 27 at the Chelsea Train Depot.

Currently, about 6 percent of Scouts have earned the Eagle Scout rank. To earn the rank, Scouts must complete six ranks, earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, serve in a variety of Troop leadership positions, obtain references from the community, complete an Eagle Scout Service project, and complete a board of review with the local BSA Council.

Detterman’s project was in service to Mikey and Me, a remarkable organization in Chelsea that fosters homeless dogs rescued from shelters and unites them with forever homes. The project replaced an old, rotting roof on a milk house to ensure that the dog supplies stay dry and to prevent cold air from entering the kennels in the barn.

The milk house will also serve as a meet-and-greet area where families and dogs can get to know each other.

“I believe pets are an important part of our community, and I really wanted to find a project that would benefit them,” said Detterman.

“Mr. (Daniel) DePew has put together an amazing foster dog care center having adopted out over 65 dogs already, and he was so supportive throughout the entire project,” Detterman said.

Project planning began in February 2017 and was completed in December accumulating over 266 volunteer service hours from 19 volunteers, almost $1,800 in donations, and a few breaks for play with the furry residents.

The average age of an Eagle Scout is 17. Nicholas (recently 14), who will enter as a freshmen at Chelsea High School this fall, is young for an Eagle Scout, and has many years left in scouting.

When asked what’s next in scouting for him, Nicholas noted that there are many opportunities to further his leadership skills, high adventure camping, and more service to give. He also plans to work with Scouts who are eager to earn their ranks.

“My brother crossed over from Cub Scouts last February, and it would be cool to welcome Alex to Eagle Scout some day,” Detterman said.

His parents, Doug and Linda Detterman, agree; it would be wonderful to have another Eagle Scout burst through that front door.