Lots of young boys join the boy scouts; the friendships, camping, challenges, and much more contribute to its appeal. There are a few, however, that chase a higher ambition; scouting’s highest honor, Eagle Scout. Norwood’s Nick Brewer is one of those admirable scouts to recently reach this prestigious rank.

Brewer joined the Cub Scouts at six years old, and as he remembers it, was encouraged by his mother. There were, however, some unexpected benefits.

“I really think my mom just wanted me to do it and some of my friends as well,” Brewer recalled. “But once I got into it, I loved being outdoors.”

“My older son, David was a cub scout and Nick would often see what his Den would be doing and want to be a part of it,” Maria Brewer said. “So, on Willett golf day when Nick was in kindergarten, we stopped at the Pack 49 sign up tent and spoke to the leader there (who is still a leader in the Troop!!).  He asked if he could sign up and so from that day, we joked that Willett golf day is his “scoutavesary”

As his mom expected, Brewer thrived with the scouts. For over more than a decade, he advanced through scout levels, participating in numerous camping trips, experiences, and activities that taught leadership and outdoor skills. 

While in Cub Scouts, he learned not just fun stuff, but life skills, building things, cooking, helpfulness,” Maria Brewer said. “He wanted to do and learn everything!”

For Brewer, it was nature that drew him in. An area that would later play a big part in his quest for Eagle.  

“I always enjoyed camping the most,” Brewer said. “Being outside with friends was the best part, not really the merit badge requirements.”

The idea of reaching that top tank took root early. It is a long road, however, to bridge the gap between a young scout and an Eagle.

“When I first crossed into the troop, I saw the older kids and wanted to be like them,” Brewer explained. “It was a lot of work. You have to earn a certain number of merit badges and complete eagle merit badges (usually a lot harder). You also had to finish all your rank requirements, which were basic things like cooking and first aid. The final step is to do an Eagle project, which is a big community service project; I built a trail bridge in Norwood

Why a bridge one might ask?

Brewer was inspired to build a trail bridge by numerous conversations with his friend, Joe Greeley, of the Norwood Trails Committee. 

“We were talking about how a lot of the Norwood trails’ flooded and needed bridges, and that was that,” Brewer said.

As a seasoned hiker, Brewer knew how vital a bridge is to withstand severe weather and natural growth. As one would imagine, the overpass was welcomed by hikers and trail users.

“I think people appreciate that someone put the time in to get the materials out there and build it,” Brewer said. “I’m a big hiker and backpacker myself, and when I see bridges in the woods, I always respect whoever built them.”

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout entails more than a checklist of requirements; it calls for an ambitious young person who challenges themselves and embraces their role within the community. For Nick Brewer, service is not simply an obligation of the program, but a reflection of his genuine character.

“Over the years, he [Nick] has volunteered on many things,” Maria Brewer said. “He organized a food drive for the Pack and Troop. He coordinated with the Food Pantry to pick up the empty boxes and deliver them. He was a youth lector at church.  He ran a book drive at the middle school. He enjoyed volunteering at the Norwood Farmers Market. His dance teacher wanted a prop so he said I can build that for you. It’s just who he has become, always looking to help someone. I lost count, but he actively participated in several Eagle scout projects for his fellow scouts and it’s pretty cool for him (and his fellow scouts) to have a hand in different projects that are throughout Norwood. He also had a number of leadership roles, including Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). Scouts is youth led and SPL is the highest role that is in charge of the Troop. He had to lead the Troop (with guidance from adult leaders). Imagine a young teen leading a bunch of other young teens!”

This month, Brewer will celebrate his 18th birthday. He hopes to stay involved with scouting, possibly as a troop leader, especially since his younger brother is still active.

“He has come such a long way from the young boy who couldn’t sit still to a young man who will do great things!” Maria Brewer said. 

Only about 6% of Scouts nationwide earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The distinction marks not only years of hard work, but also a lasting contribution to his community — and for the town of Norwood, a trail bridge that will endure years of hikers’ footsteps.