It was announced this week that Ayan Varma Bhatnagar of Livingston Boy Scout Troop 12 earned the Eagle Scout rank on August 10, 2021. His Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held on October 23, 2021.Bhatnagar began his Scouting journey in first grade in 2011, when he became a Tiger Cub with Den 1 of Pack 16, Livingston.After earning the Arrow of Light Award in February of 2016, Bhatnagar continued his Scouting journey with Troop 12 Livingston. He was eager to bridge over into Troop 12 and join his older brother, Nishay, who became an Eagle Scout in 2016.After earning the First Class rank in 2018, Bhatnagar served as Patrol Leader for three terms. He notes that he “enjoyed taking on the responsibility and committed to helping younger Scouts learn skills and advance in rank.”To date, Bhatnagar has earned 25 merit badges. He received the Arrow of Light distinction, the World Conservation Award, and the Robert Henry Carl Memorial Award, attending National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) in 2019.Although Bhatnagar trained to be a Scout Leader for the 2020 NYLT, the COVID-19 pandemic brought Scouting adventures to a halt. This motivated him to create “AVB Scout Skills,” a YouTube channel in order to help newly bridged Boy Scouts earn the Scout rank.That same summer, Bhatnagar conducted his Eagle Project, a drive benefitting homeless dogs and cats at the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter. He collected over 250 pounds of dry dog and cat food, 100 cans of pet food, 130 toys, 17 leashes, ten collars, four dog beds, towels, blankets, cleaning supplies, and more.Outside of Scouting, Bhatnagar loves fencing and competes on the Livingston High School varsity fencing team. He also represents his local club, Elite FC, at local, regional, and national tournaments. He is a nationally ranked, A-rated fencer and recently received the USA Fencing First Class distinction on both the All-American Team and All-Academic Team in 2021.Bhatnagar notes that he “would like to thank my fellow Scouts and Scout Leaders from Troop 12 and Pack 16, and my family and friends for their love and support throughout my ten year journey to Eagle Scout.”
