Posted Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

Scoutmaster Eric Bruce speaks during the Boy Scout Troop 130's awards ceremony Monday, December 6, at Life Church in Huntington.

HUNTINGTON – Boy Scout Troop 130’s awards ceremony Monday evening at Huntington’s Life Church included a surprise for Scoutmaster Eric Bruce.

Bruce, who has been Troop 130’s scoutmaster since 2017, was formally recognized by the City of Huntington for his community involvement and leadership. In addition to his role as a mentor and guide to local Scouts, Bruce works as an engineer for United Technologies Electronic Controls, serves as president of the Huntington Area Recreational Trails Association and sits on the Board of Directors for both the Huntington County Historical Museum and Karing for Kids.

Getting involved in the community is a big part of his focus and something Bruce encourages all local Boy Scouts to do. The goal is simply to make an impact.

“I think how you do that is by volunteering and being a part of something,” Bruce said Monday after being presented a signed proclamation recognizing and honoring his efforts and the example he provides.

John Bostel, a former scoutmaster himself who received similar recognition from then-Mayor Brooks Fetters in 2017, arranged the surprise presentation. He said that under Bruce’s leadership, hundreds of young men in the Huntington community have been able to look to Bruce as an example of service to others, personal responsibility, self-discipline and hard work.

Bruce and his wife, Chrissy, have a daughter and two sons. Bruce first got involved with Scout leadership in 2006 as den leader for his sons, the older of whom has attained Eagle Scout rank. His younger son is a Life Scout, one step away from being an Eagle Scout as well.

“I showed up with my oldest son when he was 6. We showed up to a meeting and he became a new Scout and I became a leader the same night,” Bruce said.

Led by Bruce and a team of more than a dozen actively involved parents and leaders, Troop 130’s roughly 40 Scouts have given countless hours of community service during Bruce’s time as Scoutmaster. Their volunteerism has supported organizations including the Huntington County Historical Museum, Forks of the Wabash, Scouting for Food, Karing for Kids, the Salvation Army and more. They also have supported events around Huntington such as the Splash on the Wabash, the city’s Little River Cleanup, Veterans Day 5k runs, Heritage Days and the Pioneer Festival, among others.

In addition to volunteerism, the Scouting program trains young men and women in leadership and teaches them invaluable life skills along the way. Scouts can earn Merit Badges in more than 140 categories, and this often gets them started on a unique career path as they discover and build upon their talents.

“It’s just all these different types of life skills that are still valid today, even more so I think than ever,” Bruce said. “That’s what I like about the program – it’s just an excellent way for these kids to be a part of something and grow and become good leaders.”

Another focus has been passing on a deeper understanding of our country’s history and an appreciation of national landmarks and scenic locations.

To this end, local Scouts have had the opportunity to travel to national landmarks such as Gettysburg National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park under Bruce’s leadership. He’s led excursions to the Appalachian Trail and Michigan’s Pictured Rocks as well.

Monday’s proclamation and recognition are well-deserved, Mayor Strick said about the Troop 130 Scoutmaster.

“Eric’s leadership is an excellent example to the Scouts in his troop and everyone who lives in Huntington,” Mayor Strick said. “We appreciate all of his hard work and community involvement. Huntington is a better place because of him.”