Olathe Eagle Scout Nathan Ganaden has accomplished something only an estimated 650 Scouts have achieved in Scouting’s 116-year history: earning every merit badge available. His six-year effort also included major national outdoor awards and four years working at a local Scout camp.
OLATHE, Kan. — Most Scouts work for years to earn the 21 merit badges required to become an Eagle Scout. Nathan Ganaden of Olathe didn’t stop there. He kept going until he had earned all 144.
The Heart of America Council recognized Ganaden’s achievement in an announcement October 21, placing him among an exceptionally small group of Scouts who have earned every available merit badge.
According to the council, only an estimated 650 people have accomplished the feat since Scouting began in the United States in 1910. Approximately 130 million young people have participated in the organization during that time.
For Ganaden, what began as a childhood idea eventually became a six-year mission.
“Then I decided to go for 100—and then when I hit 100, I couldn’t stop there,” Nathan told the Heart of America Council.
Nathan and his father, David Ganaden, spoke recently about the years of work behind the achievement.
From chess to welding, backpacking and wildfire management
Merit badges introduce Scouts to subjects ranging from outdoor survival and emergency preparedness to science, business, skilled trades and the arts.
For Nathan, the variety was part of the attraction.
He said Chess as his first and easiest merit badge, which he completed through an online program.
Others required considerably more effort.
Backpacking was among his most difficult badges because of the extensive hiking requirements. Cycling was another challenge, requiring significant time on a bicycle.
His favorite was Welding, which introduced him to skills and potential careers he had not previously considered.
His final achievement was the Wildland Fire Management merit badge, completing the collection of 144.
The badge covers wildfire prevention, forest management, fire behavior, firefighting safety and the effects of wildfires on communities and ecosystems.
The journey required Nathan to explore subjects far outside his usual interests and develop skills he might otherwise never have encountered.
More than just merit badges
Ganaden’s accomplishments extend well beyond collecting every merit badge.
He also earned the Triple Crown of National High Adventure Award, which recognizes Scouts who participate in qualifying adventures at three of Scouting America’s four national high-adventure bases.
Those bases offer demanding outdoor experiences such as backpacking, wilderness canoeing, sailing and other expeditions.
Nathan told the Heart of America Council that one of his most memorable experiences was climbing the Tooth of Time, a prominent mountain at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
He also earned all six National Outdoor Awards, recognizing advanced experience in Camping, Aquatics, Conservation, Hiking, Riding and Adventure.
In addition, Ganaden served four years on the staff of Theodore Naish Scout Reservation in the Kansas City area, helping support the camping experience for other Scouts.
A proud father and a six-year journey
Nathan’s father, David Ganaden, accompanied him through much of the journey.
David described the experience as an opportunity to watch his son develop confidence, independence and outdoor skills through Scouting.
“It’s a proud dad moment,” David said.
His father said the accomplishment represented years of effort by both of them, but the rewards went beyond the merit badges themselves.
The achievement also reflects the range of experiences available through Scouting, from learning practical skills and exploring potential careers to outdoor adventures and service to others.
With all 144 badges completed, Nathan now joins a group that represents only a tiny fraction of the millions of young people who have participated in Scouting over more than a century.
And for an Olathe Eagle Scout who once wondered whether he could earn every badge, the answer is now yes.
Something Different Media Group
