Local Spotlight: Tyler MacVane

Becoming an Eagle Scout is no easy task. In fact, fewer than four percent of those who join the Boy Scouts of America achieve that rank, the highest award offered. Some people say that earning the Eagle Scout award is the equivalent of a year of college because of the many skills and challenges a scout must master in order to receive the award.

A few weeks ago, Tyler MacVane of Saco officially became a member of that rare and distinguished group that is “committed to community service and self-improvement.”

Tyler, 17, will be a senior at Thornton Academy this year. He’s been involved in scouting since he was a first-grade student, joining several friends as a Cub Scout. Today, Tyler says that being a Boy Scout has helped shape his life and future ambitions.

According to the Boy Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle Scout is a “big deal” to many colleges and universities because they know that “Eagle Scouts have learned specialized skills, display positive character traits and are capable leaders.”

We caught up with Tyler last week and he sort of downplayed his rare accomplishment, but was clearly enthusiastic when it came to talking about the benefits of scouting.

What made you want to join scouting?

“My dad used to be in scouting, and my mom thought it was something that would appeal to me. I liked the concept of helping others.”

What’s your favorite part of scouting?

(Laughs) “Well, there are not a lot of chances today when you can go into the woods and hang out for a few days.”

Becoming an Eagle Scout requires you to complete a community service project. What was your project?

“I built four picnic tables for an outdoor recreation area that everyone can use. The Ledges in Saco runs a free meal program for area kids. I used to run a youth program for the Caleb Group, the owner of The Ledges, and I thought it would be nice if there were outdoor tables there where everyone could eat together.”

How long did it take you to complete that project?

“Just to build them took about six hours, but there was a lot of other work I needed to do to make the project a reality. We had to stain the tables and then prepare a concrete pad to place them. I logged 31 and half hours. The whole project took about 153 hours, including all the other people who helped us.”

A lot of kids join scouting programs, but very, very few of them attain Eagle rank. What was your motivation?

“I think it was always, from the very beginning, my goal to become an Eagle Scout. It’s the top thing in scouting, and I just set my eyes on it.”

What do you like to do when you’re not in school or working with the scouts?

“I like skiing, fishing, hiking, being on boats.  Basically, anything outdoors.” (Laughs) “I also like woodworking and working with my hands. I like to figure out how things work. I do my own oil changes. I like to be hands-on, solving problems.”

What are your future plans?

“Well, I’m looking forward to our national [scouting] jamboree in West Virginia in July.”

What about after you graduate from high school?

“I’m taking my time picking a college. I’m still not 100 percent sure what I want to study. I’m thinking about secondary education or business and finance. I would also really like to become a certified Maine Guide.”

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.