East Oakland boy scout troop in need of donations

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An East Oakland boy scout troop has a lot to be proud of after four of its scouts graduated to Eagle Scout status.

However, the troop needs financial help to keep this positive program going.

This was a proud moment for the parents, especially Richmond firefighter Anthony Crowell and his wife Gloria Crowell. Their two sons are among four teens from Oakland's Allen Temple Baptist Church Boy Scout Troop 409 who just earned their Eagle Scout badges after years of hard work. "They finally weathered the storm, they finally made the journey for what they were looking for and I'm proud of them," Anthony said.

Two sets of brothers got the honors. Their names are: Clayton Crowell, Cameron Crowell, Kennedy Watson and Brendan Watson.

This inner city troop has produced 39 Eagle Scouts since 1989. "The scout motto is be prepared right, I really learned to stay prepared in all facets of my life and school, with work, with my parents, with my brother," Clayton said.

Clayton earned his Eagle Scout status in six years, and his brother Cameron said he did it in five years.

"It taught me about brotherhood because we're all brothers in the troop," Brendon Watson said.

This troop wants to keep scouting going, but money's tight. Equipment and uniforms are expensive, so they need help.

Gloria said she's not sure where her boys would be without Boy Scout Troop 409 "It really does involve staying off the streets and being able to help expand this troop and we need to seek continual donations," she said.

"We're a safe haven in this neighborhood. On the news, you see a lot of things that may not be going right in our community, but the boy scouts here are an example of what's going right in East Oakland," scoutmaster Don Smith said.

For these young men it's more than a badge. It's an honor, clearing the way for a bright future. All four boys are college bound.

Click here if you'd like to help by making a donation.