LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Two Troop 243 Eagle Scouts honored


Aidan Clark and Owen Smith Photo provided

Two Lafayette Boy Scouts were awarded the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 243. Aidan Clark and Owen Smith, both residents of Lafayette, earned the rank of Eagle after 12 years of Scouting in the Burton Valley area. The Scouts were awarded the rank on Nov. 5, 2022 at an official ceremony at Lafayette Christian Church.

Aidan Clark began his Scouting adventure in Pack 643 at Burton Valley Elementary School. After receiving his Arrow of Light as a Webelo in 2016, he transitioned to Troop 243. Aidan served as Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and a number of other leadership posts during his years in the troop. For his Eagle Scout project, Aidan designed and built a solar charging station for use by Acalanes High School. Aiden is currently a senior at Campolindo High School.

Owen Smith followed a similar path in Scouting, beginning as a Tiger Cub in first grade in Pack 645. While in troop 243, Owen participated in a wide range of activities, including shooting, sports, backpacking and community service projects. For Owen's Eagle Scout project, Owen worked with more than a dozen volunteers to re-purpose shipping straps into dog leashes to support Rocket Dog Rescue of Oakland. More than a dozen volunteer sewers helped to create over 500 Dog Leashes that will be provided to new dog owners when they adopt an animal. Owen is currently a senior at De La Salle High School in Concord.

The two young men experienced a wide-range of community service projects, and learned the vast knowledge of outdoor survival over the course of their 12-year Scouting experience.

Both Aidan and Owen plan to continue their work in Scouting, serving as Junior Assistant Scoutmasters and attending campouts and activities as adult leaders. Both Scouts plan to attend a four-year university after graduation.

Aidan and Owen join more than 75 Scouts who have "Eagled" from Troop 243, including Aidan's father Cooper Clark who earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1982. Cooper Clark has been an active Scout leader since Cub Scouts, where he served as Den Leader, Cub Master, and most recently Assistant Scoutmaster at Troop 243.

Troop 243 meets weekly at the Lafayette Christian Church at 535 Glenside in Lafayette. For more information on joining the Scouts, you can email the troop at Troop243CA@gmail.com .