Troop 766 member Aarav Sinha earns highest rank Eagle Scout honor

Aarav Sinha, a Carmel Valley resident and member of Boy Scout Troop 766, earned the rank of Eagle Scout this year, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Aarav, a senior at Canyon Crest Academy (CCA), was presented his Eagle honor on April 24 and a celebration was held for his honor and achievements with friends and family on Aug. 4.

Aarav shared details and insight on his journey to achieving the Eagle Scout rank in the commentary below:

“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a milestone that marks both personal growth and a commitment to service and achieving it has been a transformative journey for me. My Scouting adventure began at age 8 when I joined Cub Scouts as a Wolf and continued in Boy Scouts from sixth grade at age 12. Over the years I embraced the values of leadership, perseverance, and service, growing into the person I am today.

“My progression through leadership positions in Scouts reflects my increasing responsibilities and the trust placed in me. I started as Chaplain’s Aide and Librarian, then became Webmaster, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and finally Patrol Leader once more before earning Eagle. Each role challenged me to grow, communicate effectively, and lead by example. These positions became the foundation for my confidence, shaping me into a strong leader capable of guiding and motivating others.”

Service project

“A central part of my Eagle journey was my service project, building four benches for the CCA tennis team. As captain of the varsity men’s tennis team, I wanted a project that would leave a lasting impact on my school community where I have invested the last four years of my life. These benches not only benefit future athletes but also symbolize the importance of contributing to something larger than oneself, which is a core principle of Scouting.”

Challenges

“The path to Eagle was not without challenges. One of my most significant lessons came while earning the Swimming merit badge. Failing the swim test on my first attempt was a humbling experience because it was the first time I had failed at anything in my life. This moment taught me the value of perseverance and hard work, reinforcing that personal growth often comes from overcoming obstacles.”

Memorable experiences

“Some of my most memorable experiences in Scouting occurred at summer camp, particularly at Lost Valley, where I participated in the polar bear plunge for a week. Waking up an hour earlier than expected and being hosed with mountain runoff water while crawling in the pool tested my resilience and determination. Yet my favorite moments were quieter, sitting around the campfire and learning from the adult leaders around me, gaining insights and wisdom that continue to guide my life.”

The Scout Law and Oath impact

“The Scout Law and Oath have deeply shaped my character. Being brave and clean reminds me to act with integrity and courage, while helping others at all times and staying physically strong guides my daily life. Scouting was my first space to develop leadership skills and the confidence to tackle challenges, which became clear during a campout when I, along with Mr. Gus Kefalopoulos, his son, and Mr. Tom Vieira, helped a sick Scout return home safely in the middle of the night. That moment showed me I thrive under pressure while prioritizing the well-being of others. Mentors like Mr. Gus, Mr. Omar Nazif, Mr. Tom Vieira, and Mr. Devlin Rambo have guided me throughout, teaching lessons that extend far beyond the campsite.”

Other learning benefits from Scouting

“Scouting has also shaped how I approach school and extracurriculars, emphasizing preparedness and teamwork. The values I learned resonate in DECA, Mock Trial, Model UN, and tennis and have strengthened my aspiration to pursue a career in law or politics. Above all, the Scout motto to do a good turn daily has instilled a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and leadership.

“Earning Eagle Scout represents not only personal achievement but also a dedication to the values of Scouting, including leadership, service, resilience, and community. It is a milestone that celebrates both the journey I have taken and the foundation it has provided for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”