Georgia Military College Prep School started the High Adventure Leadership Program, a scouting initiative with GMC Prep School students of Troop 87. This week, the program celebrated its first graduates with 15 students out of the 32 in the two-year program.

The High Adventure Leadership Program has enabled Scouts to participate more fully in various adventures. Scouts BSA announced in 2018 that females would be welcomed to join the Scouts beginning in 2019. For HALP, this was the first year females participated in the program, and GMC is proud that four graduates from the High Adventure Leadership Program are well on their way to earningtheir Eagle Scout badge. One is hopeful she’ll be the first female in Georgia to complete her Eagle Scout.

“My brothers did Scouts when they were younger and when I found out I could join, I really wanted to do it too,” said GMC Prep School seventh-grader, Avi Villarreal. “I thought being in Scouts would be a good step forward for women, and I wanted to be a part of that. I’m really excited to continue my goal of becoming an Eagle Scout soon.”

Troop 87 Leader, COL Pat Beer, says it’s bittersweet seeing the success of the High AdventureLeadership Program this year.

“Our goal is to learn about leadership, and character development,” Beer said. “I see that in these kids. I had to order triple the amount of badges I’ve had to get in the past for our end of the year ceremony and that was a really proud moment. I’m excited to see these kids continue in the Scouts program.”

Congratulations to our 15 Scouts!