Scouts play a major role in Sidney family

Burke Splichal and his sisters Sarah-Kate and Audrey Splichal have all been participating in scouts since they were young.

Burke, 14, said he started as a Cub scout when he was seven. His determination and diligence to the organization has moved him through the ranks. Burke recently completed his requirements to become an Life Scout, one step closer to Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scout organization.

Working his way up was not an easy process, In the ranks there is a multi-level tier of ranking with requirements ranging from first aid to cooking. Above all requirements is an active leadership in each rank.

According to Burke, scouts begin in Cub Scouts, moving from Tender Foot to first class by first completing 15 requirements as a Tender Foot and 13 more as a First class.

"The requirements get harder the higher up in rank you move," Burke said.

At the Age of twelve Burke moved on to Boy Scouts where worked his way through Star Scout, earning merit badges and assisting in running the scout led troop.

"It's amazing to see the meetings," said Burkes mother Virgina Splichal. "It's like a board meeting and everyone knows what they are doing and works together."

Burke received his Life Scout rank on May 27, and is just a few requirements away from Eagle Scout rank.

"Through each rank you work on Eagle Scout requirements, so I will receive my Life Scout and then my Eagle Scout rank," Burke said.

Burke recently attended a city council meeting where he completed his Community Citizenship requirement by discussing what he has to do to be a good citizen in the community.

Burke said being a good citizen meant "Owning loyalty, to be able to protect my nation and my state, and to help with my community wherever I can.

To obtain a merit badge in each rank Burke spent his free time compiling worksheets, letters, activities classes and challenges, each badge activity is conducted by a certified Merit Badge Counselor.

Burke's sister Sarah-Kate,16, has gone through a similar process in her journey through the ranks of Girl Scouts.

This is Sarah-Kate's 11th year in Girl Scouts, she said she is part of the Girl Scouts of Nebraska because she loves the organization.

"Helping others and meeting new friends are huge perks," Sarah-Kate said. "The adult leaders in the Girl Scouts have enabled me to learn more about myself while enjoying some amazing experiences.

"My favorite Girl Scout opportunities so far are when I was selected for two Young Women Executive," she said.

This week when Sarah-Kate is attending the 2016 Young Women Entrepreneurs Achieve Leadership Program in Omaha. The program focuses on goals, decision making, money management, and business ethics.

Sarah-Kate said she recently bridged from the Cadette level to Senior level, and is preparing to choose a service action project so that she can help her local community and earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting.

"I can not stress enough, how thankful we are to the Boy Scout Scout master Brian Kurz and the other Boy and Girl Scout adult leaders," Virgina said. "Without them none of this would have been possible."

Youngest of the Splichal children, Audrey, 12, is following in her siblings footsteps and is currently moving to Cadette rank in her Girl Scout career.