As an upcoming middle schooler, I joined Boy Scouts without knowing the tremendous impact the program would make in my life. I learned the basics of outdoor survival and scouting from older Scouts—principally Life and Eagle Scouts—who had recently been young scouts like me, staring up at the grand mountain of scouting from the humble rank of Tenderfoot. These were the leaders and role models I looked up to. When I saw the leadership and character they built on their journey up the mountain toward Eagle, I knew I had to accept the challenge. My dad was an Eagle Scout and always hoped that someday I would become one too, but I did not understand why it was so important. After years of hard work and planning, I now know that the rank of Eagle Scout represents much more than a metaphorical mountain peak; it represents a boy's journey up that mountain that turns him into a man and a …show more content…
Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout required the orchestration of a 200 hour service project that, at the time, seemed impossible. Throughout my high school career, I was so used to adults providing me with concrete instructions that finding and managing my own project appeared quite daunting. What if the community did not like my project, or what if I failed at managing it? I soon rose above my apprehensions and reached out to the greens manager at my local golf course to inquire about replacing some rotten, wooden planters. He promptly called me back and said he loved the idea—in fact, it had been on the golf course’s agenda for years. After meeting with him and examining an initial sketch of the project, I set out to make the best planters I could. Immediately, I traveled to a local material supplier where I carefully selected a batch of small sandstone blocks and other materials. I then arranged for their delivery, set up a project work day, and reached out to my friends and troop for