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From left to right: James Jackson, Zachary Jackson, Jadyn Jackson, Amy Jackson, and Eagle Review Board Chair Dwight Odell. Courtesy photo
Ada, Okla. – Jadyn Jackson, a remarkable young individual born and raised in Ada, Oklahoma, has made history by becoming the first female in the Arbuckle Area Council to attain the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. The Arbuckle Area Council encompasses nine southcentral Oklahoma counties and the city of Ringling, serving a community of over 3,100 youth and 600 adult volunteers.
Jadyn’s outstanding achievement was recognized at her Eagle Board of Review held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at The Refuge Church, where she appeared before the Eagle Review Board chaired by Dwight Odell.
“Congratulations, you haveanEagleScout,”Dwight told Jadyn’s parents, James Jackson and Amy Jackson.
A dedicated member of Scouts BSA Troop 198G at The Refuge Church in Ada, Jadyn served as the Senior Patrol Leader and played a pivotal role as a founding member. Her journey to the Eagle Rank spanned four years, culminating in her remarkable attainment at the age of 14.
“We are so excited for her to be our first Eagle Scout at The Refuge, “James Jackson said, “I serve on the leadership team at The Refuge, and we see the Scouts as a way for us to reach the community.”
The pinnacle of this achievement involved the completion of an extensive project management experience known as the Eagle Project. Jadyn demonstrated exemplary leadership by refurbishing a flagpole at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Seminole, OK. Managing a team of youth and adults, she oversaw the pole’s removal, repainting, landscaping, and the addition of new weatherresistant features, including a flag.
Earning 36 merit badges and still actively pursuing more, Jadyn showcased her diverse skill set, notably earning her favorite, the Horsemanship Merit Badge at Camp Simpson in Bromide, OK. Her commitment toScoutingextendedthrough blistering summers and cold winters, attending and volunteering at Camp Simpson Summer and Winter Camps.
“Camp Simpson is one of my favorite places to be,” Jadyn said, “It’s just a great place to be with my friends and my troop.”
In addition to her Scouting accomplishments, Jadyn has actively engaged in various activities, including hiking, rafting, and volunteering at Cub Scout events, showcasing her dedication to community involvement and outdoor pursuits. She is also a member of the student leadership team at The Refuge Church in Ada, OK where she volunteers to run sound and projectors for the services.
TheBoyScoutsofAmerica (BSA) has seen an evolution in recent years, welcoming girls into Scouts BSA and broadening its scope to include young women within the esteemed Eagle Scout ranks. This significant milestone for Jadyn stands as a testament to the expanding inclusivity within the Scouts BSA program.
The Eagle Scout rank represents the highest achievement in Scouting, attained by only about 6% of Scouts. It necessitates significant community service, leadership roles within the troop and community, and the earning of a minimum of 21 merit badgescoveringdiversefields such as first aid, civics, business, and the environment.
Jadyn Jackson's accomplishment as the first female Eagle Scout in the Arbuckle Area Council reflects not only her dedication but also the evolving landscape of Scouting, exemplifying the spirit of leadership, service, and excellence.