Clarice Goman first started her Scouts BSA journey at 14 years old. She was one of the first girls to join Troop 9 during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clarice is now 17 and working hard to be the first female Eagle Scout in Troop 9.

Clarice wanted her Eagle Scout project to help Chester Bowl, because she spent several years volunteering and working there. Clarice’s parents and younger brother Charlie encouraged her, because he was already in Scouts.

“I love Boy Scouts. My little brother is the reason I joined, really, because they kept going through COVID. It’s been a super fun journey to see me be a leader. Now he is the leader of our troop, and he runs all the meetings,” Clarice said. “It’s super fun to just see all the younger girls joining, and all the younger scouts who are really passionate about it too.”

For the past several months she’s been raising funds, and gathering materials for her Eagle Scout project, building a Gaga Ball Pit at Chester. Clarice says she wanted to create more recreation opportunities for kids in the Duluth community. She also shared some advice for other scouts working on their Eagle Scout project.

“It’s super hard when you hit 16, and you can drive, you’ve got a job, friends, and school, and it’s a lot,” Clarice said. “But if you just stick with it, it’s a super fun program where you learn so much. I’d say just stay active, stay motivated.”

Staying motivated can be a challenge. Only 3 out of 100 scouts will ever achieve the rank of eagle scout. Clarice’s brother Charlie, is the most recent Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 9. He says having his sister join was a big help to the troop during the pandemic.

“I definitely enjoyed having her there, kind of a person that I knew friendly face. COVID was definitely a challenging time for a troop,” Charlie said. “Our troop kind of stayed active and kept doing meetings, but I really enjoyed having Clarice come in and help with those meetings. I’ve seen her take the reins and help lead the troop throughout the years.”

Charlie also says he will soon be working on his eagle scout project. He wants to continue leading by his older sister’s example for the other younger scouts.

“It shows leadership, and shows you could put effort into doing a project like this. Clarice has put so much effort between all our sports and everything to work on this. It’s a very cool thing and it’s a lot of work and effort to do.”

Clarice said becoming the first female Eagle Scout means a lot to her because she wants to follow in her dad’s footsteps. He also became an Eagle Scout with Troop 9, when he was in Scouts. Clarice is fundraising to cover the cost of the project. Also any additional donations will be sent to the Chester Bowl Improvement Club.

For more information about the Path to Eagle you can read more on Troop 9’s website here. Also for other stories with Eagle Scouts you can read more here.