Local Scout and Ponca City High School Senior, Tanner Estes, has earned the Scouts BSA’s highest achievement, the Eagle Scout Award. Estes is a member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church Troop 556. Approximately 6 percent of all youth who participate in Scouting attain the Eagle Rank. To earn the Eagle Rank, Tanner had to complete at least 21 merit badges, earn 7 different ranks, demonstrate Scout Spirit, serve in a leadership role for at least 16 months and plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to a religious institution, school, or community.

Tanner’s Eagle Service Project was to Refurbish the St. Pauls United Methodist Church playground which is used for the Kids Special Time Program. This project included adding a shade cover to part of the playground, repairing and repainting several toys, replacing boards and the roof on a play fort and adding erosion control to reduce slip hazards. Over 175 service hours were donated by various volunteers while completing this project.

While earning his Eagle Scout Rank, Tanner currently serves as Troop Guide for Troop 556, President of Venture Crew 2556, and lifeguard for both units as well as Cimarron Council. Tanner has earned a total of 68 merit badges. In addition, he has participated in BSA High Adventure Programs including sailing at Bahamas Sea Base, OKPIK (winter camp) at Northern Tier and this summer will complete his second backpacking adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch. He has earned the BSA National Outdoor Awards in Hiking, Camping and Aquatics.

Tanner is a 2023 Valedictorian and participates in Band, Orchestra, Swim, National Honor Society, Mock Trial and Boys State. He has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for 4 years, is an Oklahoma Academic Scholar Nominee, and has lettered all 4 years in academics, band, orchestra and swim. Tanner is the son of Lisa Eisele and Clarke Estes and plans to attend Colorado School of Mines to study engineering.

Troop 556 is a part of the Cimarron Council, BSA. Cimarron Council serves nearly 6,500 Scouts and adults throughout nineteen counties in northwest and north central Oklahoma. Scouting is completely funded by the generosity of our local communities and supporters.

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating in citizenship, and develops personal fitness. For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Locally multiple BSA programs are open to area youth. Cub Scouts is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 10, Scouts BSA is open to youth ages 10-17 and Venture Crew is open to youth from ages 14-20. Interested boys and girls in Kay County from age 5 through age 20 can find out more information or sign up online at www.poncacityscouts.org.