Centralia High School senior Frank Basting from Boy Scout Troop 8260 in Centralia achieved the highest rank in Scouting and became an Eagle Scout on June 3, 2023. He also completed a 90 mile trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico this past summer.
For his Eagle Scout Project Frank constructed a prayer garden for Eternity Baptist Church, allowing people to enjoy reverence in a peaceful area. The space was a circular garden with various plants and wooden benches and a scripture etched stone as the focal point. Reverence is the 12th point of the Scout Law.
Frank has been involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for the last 12 years. He is an Elangomat in the Brotherhood of Order of the Arrow and also holds the Rank of Minisino in Southern Illinois Firecrafters. Frank has held many leadership positions in the troop but said he has mostly enjoyed standing as the troop’s Chaplain Aide.
Frank’s current interests are football and bass fishing teams at Centralia High School. He is also a strong leader in his school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, having recently won the FCA Athlete of the Month Award.
Frank said, “My plan for the future is to become a successful union boilermaker. I plan to own a nice home and be a beacon of good to the world and show the characteristics of an Eagle Scout in my day-to-day life.”
Pictured above: Eagle Scout Frank Basting’s Board of Review was held at the 2023 Spring Southern Illinois Firecrafter Ritual at Pine Ridge Boy Scout Reservation in Makanda IL. Pictured (L to R) are Mark McPeak, Steve McKnelly, Lloyd Reinkensmeier, Frank Basting, Tim Chambers, Chuck Newby and Kevin Patterson.
