Rudau, Frank attain Eagle Scout status

ONE BADGE AT A TIME — Eagle Scouts Douglas Rudau and Hans Frank proudly adorn their troop uniforms and scarves outside the Clarks Grove First Baptist Church. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)

By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

Douglas Rudau and Hans Frank’s ability to take charge around campfires is unparalleled. Even their compasses seem to have become extensions of themselves.

After all, these two fine chaps have officially graduated to Eagle Scout status.

“A lot of our Boy Scout skills came from learning by example,” said Rudau. “Both of us hope to provide a good example for the younger scouts and encourage them to keep advancing.”

Both Rudau and Frank can’t take all the credit for the prestigious honor. Only with the help of their scout leaders and fellow members did they achieve such a goal.

“This is taking scouts as far as it goes,” Frank said. “It makes me feel like I accomplished something.”

It seems like just yesterday when knot tying and Pinewood Derbies remained a mystery.

“Determination is the key,” Rudau said. “You have to want to be an Eagle Scout.”

That long-term goal couldn’t feel more amazing for this duo. And the journey to get there, well that’s where the memories of good old-fashioned fun originated.

“Once, we went to Lake Superior,” Rudau said. “We played this game where we lay on the ground, put popcorn on your chest to try and get seagulls to land on us. It never worked.”

Frank added, “Many of the stories I heard were before my time. Guys would ride off of cliffs into freezing cold water. It was Titanicesque.”

Obviously, horseplay isn’t the only thing these two Eagle Scouts had their focus on. Just check out their merit badge scarves.

“Some of the badges take a really long time,” Frank said. “For personal management, we had to track all spending, deposits and create a budget.”

Also stitched onto their prized scarves are first aid, cinematography, photography and a few handfuls more. Exactly 21 merit badges are required for this esteemed honor.

“I completed the bugling badge on my own,” Rudau said. “You can play it twice as loud  as the trumpetbecause there are no valves. I think it’s entertaining to be the annoying person and not the victim that’s still trying to sleep in at camp.”

But, before crossing over to Eagle status, they completed a mandatory community service project at their own hands. A few of their Boy Scout buddies assisted in this endeavor as well.

“Before starting our Eagle Scout project, we need permission from the Board of Reviews by wave of signature,” Frank said. “I made an altar and a pulpit for the Good Earth Village’s outdoor chapel, which took 72 hours to finish.”

Rudau chose to pay it forward by way of woodworking as well. For 55 hours, he and his trusty toolbox replaced every last bench and trail sign at Myre Big Island State Park.

“The trail signs were in tough condition and the benches were falling apart,” Rudau said. “Some of the benches we had to replace completely because they were chipped and worn out.”

Frank added, “Community service is a big thing here at Scouts.”

And although their works of charity are completed, these two don’t plan on quitting their public services anytime soon.

“From here, I’ll be able to lead people,” Frank said. “I’ve also learned to give myself time to finish things and to not procrastinate. Now more than ever, I definitely understand what it means to be an Eagle Scout.”

Rudau is able to say the same for himself. He knows how to plan, lead a group and be organized.

“This goal,” said Rudau, “was completed at my own will.”