Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is challenging enough. But earning every single merit badge possible is a milestone so rare, only an estimated 650 Scouts in history have ever accomplished it.
Now, a local Scout is part of this elite group. Nathan Ganaden, an Eagle Scout from Olathe, Kansas, was officially recognized this week during a special presentation for earning an astounding 144 merit badges.
To put that in perspective, roughly 130 million young people have been a part of Scouting since the organization was founded in 1910. Nathan’s accomplishment places him in a tier representing less than 0.0035% of all Scouts in the program’s history.
Nathan’s quest to earn every badge wasn’t by accident. It started as a goal and it took persistence.
“When I was little, I thought I could do all of them,” said Nathan. “Then I decided to go for 100—and then when I hit 100, I couldn't stop there.”
Of course, every badge offers a new challenge and an opportunity to learn something new. Nathan told us his favorite of the 144 was Welding. The least favorite…Stamp Collecting.
Beyond the badges, Nathan’s Scouting resume is beyond impressive. He’s the recipient of the Triple Crown of National High Adventure Award, one of the most highly sought after program awards for visiting three National High Adventure Bases.
“Climbing the Tooth of Time was probably the most memorable from all my High Adventure experiences. The view was amazing!"
Nathan’s service and leadership accomplishments also include earning National Outdoor Awards in the areas of Camping, Aquatics, Conservation, Hiking, Riding, and Adventure. He also served four years as a member of the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation Camp Staff. Congratulations Nathan on this extraordinary accomplishment!