Third generation Boy Scout receives Eagle rank
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

PHOTO/ANGELA GREINER Three generations of Boy Scouts show off their Order of the Arrow sashes: (l to r) Peter Niemi, his son Bob Niemi, and his grandsons Todd and Brian Niemi

Hudson - The smell of pulled chicken wafted through Camp Resolute in Bolton July 17 as 17 members of Hudson Boy Scout Troop 35 ate with friends and family at a "troop night" hosted by the Boy Scout leaders. The hundredplus family members and friends also gathered to honor and witness the awarding of the Eagle Scout award to Boy Scout Todd Niemi. Todd was pleasantly surprised by the ceremony planned by his scout leaders.

Todd, a 2007 graduate of Hudson High School, has been an active member of Boy Scouts since first grade.

"I love camping and I have great memories of being a Boy Scout," he said. "What I learned most from scouts is how to be a better leader."

The Eagle Scout award is the highest ranking in Boy Scouts, with only 5 percent of scouts obtaining that level of achievement. In order to qualify, the scout must complete requirements in leadership, service and outdoor skills. Each scout must complete 200 hours of work towards a community service project as well as achieving 21 merit badges.

Todd explained that he likes to hike, so for his community service project he choose to repair one of the Danforth Falls Trail to reverse and prevent further erosion. He explained that he used pieces of wood as water bars that would prevent the dirt from washing away. He then trucked in several loads of wood chips to cover the trail.

Todd, along with his father, Bob Neimi, grandfather Peter Niemi, and brother Brian are all recipients of an exclusive Boy Scout membership to the Order of the Arrow.

Bob, who also achieved Eagle Scout rank during his scouting days, explained that the Order of the Arrow is a national honor society that is bestowed on a scout by troop members and leaders. The honor is given to the scout who best exemplifies the oath and law of Boy Scouting in his daily life.

Peter, who has been a Boy Scout member since 1951, said that he is very proud of his grandson.

"I think that scouts make a better man out of a child," Peter said. "They learn about survival skills, first aid and helping in a disaster."

He explained that when the 1953 tornado came through, the Boy Scouts were sent out to help with some of the disaster relief.

As an assistant chef at Camp Resolute, Todd is spending the summer cooking for hundreds of boys. The camp is where Todd was first introduced to camping, boating, swimming, archery, shooting, campfires and many other scouting traditions.

In September, Todd will head for Westfield State College and will pass the torch to his brother Brian to continue to pursue his Eagle Scout rank in the family scouting tradition.