“It’s a lot of fun. It helped me get out of my shell and become who I am.”
Since 2010, Mike Martyn has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 28, striving to make a difference in the community. The 17-year-old is working toward his Eagle Scout Award, the highest achievement in the Scouts.
The Cinnaminson resident was originally from Maple Shade where his current troop is based. To become an Eagle Scout, a boy must earn 21 merit badges, 13 of which are required in areas such as cooking, environmental science, emergency preparedness, first aid, citizenship and others.
For his final project, Martyn decided to do a number of things to the Trinity A.M.E Church’s cemetery in Cinnaminson.
“I have cleaned the cemetery by mowing the lawn, cleaning gravestones and pulling out weeds,” Martyn said. “The end goal, in addition to the yard work and physical appearance of the cemetery, is to show respect for those buried there and to help preserve the final resting place of the veterans there.”
Martyn has logged more than 100 hours in both the planning approval and physical work since the Boy Scout Council approved his idea.
Since joining the Boy Scouts, Martyn has stuck with the task at hand. He has remained loyal to the group, and made it to meetings and events.
“It’s a lot of fun; it really helped get me out of my shell,” Martyn said. “My dad was a big factor in me continuing to go and make time.”
Besides his project, Martyn has offered his time and services to other members of the troop. He helped with another Scout’s project in Maple Shade, the installation of a platform at the township’s train station.
Other than his time with the Scouts, Martyn has another main hobby, which he turns to in his down time.
“I like to play guitar a lot,” Martyn said. “I used to play video games, but it’s kind of boring now so I stick with music.”
The rising senior at Cinnaminson High School is preparing for his final year of high school, and his father believes the Boy Scouts will help him after graduation.
“When you have the Eagle Scout on your college transcript or your job resume, it’s a huge help,” Mike Martyn Sr. said. “Colleges see that and know you will put the effort forth and that you’re a hard worker.”
Assertiveness is one life lesson Martyn stated he learned during his time with the Scouts, and he knows the time will come to an end eventually. A past leader of the troop for three years, Martyn hopes other kids will take the step into Scouting like he did.
“Go for it,” Martyn said. “There is so much you can learn from Boy Scouts that will stay with you the rest of your life.”
Martyn now will continue with the next few steps of completing his Eagle Scout project.
For more information regarding Martyn and Troop 28, check https://www.facebook.com/groups/386490174832948/.
