Whiz Kid: Cub Scout Springs to Action to Save Friend

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Collin Krause 

Nominator: Scoutmaster Dowling, Boy Scout Troop 341

Whiz Kid's Age: 10 years old

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness:  Collin didn't think twice. When his friend signaled that he was choking, Collin stepped up to pump the friend's stomach, until the Jolly Rancher candy lodged in his throat flew out. 

"He thanked me for saving his life, and I said, 'no problem,'" Collin said of his act. Collin was 9 years old at the time of the choking incident, which happened at KinderCare in Tinley Park in February 2010.

"One of the things that was very outstanding, he didn’t panic, he recognized the problem and he acted on it right away," said his mom, Jennifer Krause. Collin said he learned what to do through his Cub Scouts training.

That was a year ago, in February 2010. At the Cub Scout Pack's recent Pinewood Derby Saturday, March 19, Collin was bestowed the Calumet Council Award of Merit for his lifesaving actions. He received a plaque with his name on it, and a lot of attention, including newspaper articles about his special act.

"I was in the newspaper, got some awards," Collin said, nonchalantly. "I’m proud of myself."

Any Other Hobbies? Collin plays for Oak Forest Soccer Inferno, and Oak Forest Fury Lacrosse. As part of Cub Scouts, he enjoys racing cars in the pinewood derby to win trophies,  and cleaning up forest preserves. He also likes participating in fundraisers, which fund activities like sleeping on a World World II submarine.