When you give a kid a merit badge...

Dalton Newport had the summer of a lifetime while on

staff for two months at scout camp in Osceola.

When you give a kid a merit badge, it turns into a whole bunch of badges. And a code of ethics. And a frame of mind. And a way of life. And so much more. For years and years, many boys right here in Adrian have earned badges and advanced through the scouting program. AHS sophomore Dalton Newport, who became an Eagle Scout last year, was no different this summer. He spent two months on staff at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, MO from June 5 - August 6. The level of responsibility given to Dalton this summer establishes a foundation that creates a strong work ethic, dedication and determination, all of which will carry on into his future.

The Bartle reservation has three full running camps during the summer and Dalton was a member of the Camp Lone Star staff. He spent the summer as an instructor who taught shotgun merit badge to campers. In addition, Dalton is a member of the Mic-O-Say dancers. He danced at ceremonies and visitors day when families visited the reservation to see their sons. Dalton became a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-o-Say at the beginning of camp, and after due diligence and effort, he earned Firebuilder by the end.

Dalton comes from a long line of scouts on both his mom and dad's sides of the family. First, his dad. Jimmy Newport is an Adrian Eagle Scout and a Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Jimmy's brother Travis is also an eagle and a Warrior in the tribe. His Grandpa, Everett Cates, is a Sachman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Dalton's Uncle Jason (may he rest in peace), was a Warrior in the tribe. With the completion of an Eagle project and two merit badges, Daltons' younger brother Trevor will become the next Eagle scout in the family this coming spring. Erin Newport is the glue that holds everything together. She's an incredibly active, supportive scouts mom and invests a great deal of her time to the scouting program for her boys. Her mom does the same and has for a whole lot of years now.

Here's a look in pictures at Dalton's summer long commitment to Camp Lone Star at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation.