Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is not easy, and Philip Eisner had an additional hurdle to overcome as he works towards Scouting’s highest rank.

In January, Eisner, 17, left his home troop in Dallas, Texas to attend Tabor Academy. He and his family reached out to Marion Troop 32 to make sure he is able to earn the Eagle rank.

“We spoke with [Scoutmaster] Bob Nakashian to see in what ways Philip could help the troop and to make sure he would meet a six month leadership requirement,” said Allen Mann, Eisner’s stepfather.

This summer, with the Marion troop's help, Eisner completed his Eagle Scout service project in Chatham, where he worked as a sailing instructor.

“While August is a time where most troops, including Troop 32, suspend meetings so that Scouts can spend vacation time with family and adult leaders can take a break, the call went out to rally in Chatham,” Nakashian said.

Eisner led the effort to build and deliver picnic tables and benches to the Pleasant Bay Community Boating in Chatham.

Building the picnic tables took place on Aug. 10 and followed hours of planning time including, scheduling, determining the cost and funding sources and obtaining materials. Chatham Scouts had volunteered their support if needed, but it turned out the Marion Scouts were able to get the job done, Nakashian said.

Eisner, who turns 17 in October, is a junior at Tabor Academy and wanted to finish the project before his studies began. Scouts looking to reach Eagle must do so before their 18th birthday.

Coming from a large troop in Dallas to Marion’s small troop was a big change, but one he welcomed.

“I’m used to a much larger troop and instead of meeting with fifty kids a week there’s only four or five, which is nice because you get to know everyone a little better,” Eisner said.

His final requirement for Eagle Scout will be met by serving as a fire safety instructor for Troop 32.

Mann, a former Scout himself, has two other sons who earned Eagle. He said Scouting is important in his family, and stressed the skill and dedication it takes to reach Eagle.

“I say that Scouting is all about exposure,” he said. “You’re doing all of these different merit badges, you’re getting exposed to all of these different disciplines and hopefully through this process you’re getting to know yourself.”