Whiz Kid: Matthew Hamilton

Matthew Hamilton

Age: 11

School: Serra Catholic School, Rancho Santa Margarita

Whiz Kid Accomplishment: Recently bridged from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts with Troop 818 and was commissioned  by Scout master to help with Cub Scout camp this summer as a service project.

Key to Awesomeness: Matthew Hamilton is no ordinary Scout. He joined Den 14 with Serra Catholic’s Scouts in first grade and has shown outstanding performance over the years. Recently, Matthew bridged from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and looks forward to making the transition to the “Orange Shirts.” His cub master, Chris Brahney, noticed Matthew’s outstanding attitude and commissioned  him to help out with this year’s Cub Scout camp, held at nearby O’Neil Park June 27-July 1. Matthew will work with the adult leaders as they undertake the huge project of  taking down the camp after it is completed. Matthew attended this very camp during his time in Cub Scouts and enjoyed it immensely; he looks forward to interacting with the younger Scouts this summer.

"Matthew is one of the most giving Scouts that I have ever met," says Scout master Chris Brahney.  "He is constantly looking for opportunities to help the other boys.  Last summer at Cub Scout Day Camp, I had a long talk with all of the older boys.  I explained that their responsibility to Scouting was to look for ways to volunteer and help the younger Scouts in the coming years.  Matthew was the first young man to ask, 'What can I do?'  He's a great young man and I am very proud to know him."

Matthew’s accomplishments don’t end with Scouts. A fifth grader at Serra Catholic,  Matthew also excels at sports, particularly tackle football and baseball. He is described as an “excellent student and a very nice, smart and well-rounded kid.” His mother Patty adds that Matthew, who is considered tall for his age, is often described as a “gentle giant with a helper spirit.” Serra Catholic highly values these qualities, so it’s easy to see why he’s a standout kid.