The Southwest Voice

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Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at 15 years old is an honor that few have known, but for Dylan Redden of Lebec, CA it is soon to become reality. Currently a Life Scout in Troop 16, Dylan is finishing up the last, and perhaps most difficult, challenge on the trail to Eagle, his Eagle Scout Service Project. This is a project that Scouts plan themselves and execute with the help of skilled professionals for the betterment of their religious institution, school or community. For Dylan this project is to help the First Congregational Church in Bakersfield where his Troop holds their weekly meetings.

With the assistance of his Scoutmaster, Dylan chose to install a sidewalk around the perimeter of the church’s parking lot as well as add lighting around the church’s monument. “The church had a few projects that they needed completed and I knew that this was one they had wanted done for quite some time,” Dylan said, “I was happy to do it for them.”

Money to fund the project was raised through phone calls and letters to local businesses, family and friends. “The estimated cost was about $5,300, but thanks to community support through discounts and donations of time and supplies, I only had to raise $1,400…people are very supportive when they hear that it is for the Boy Scouts.”

The Eagle rank must be achieved by a Scouts 18^th birthday and the Court of Honor is something of a graduation where Scouts move on to become adult leaders and volunteers. “After I get my Eagle I still want to be a part of Scouting; volunteering at Day Camp and staying involved with my Troop.” Part of that involvement includes summer plans to work at a Scout Camp in Maui.

For information on Scouting in your area please contact the Southern Sierra Council, Boy Scouts of America at 661-325-9036.