One of the most difficult parts of becoming an Eagle Scout is completing a project. J.D. Prentice of Elgin chose to construct a new sign for the Gilbertson Park Campground, which he and a crew of workers completed this summer.
Prentice earns Eagle Scout award
The culmination of nearly 11 years of work, dedication, and involvement in Scouting occurred on Saturday, Aug. 23, for J.D. Prentice of Elgin. In a ceremony held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Prentice received his award and celebrated with family, friends, fellow Scouts, and Scout leaders.
“I started out in Scouting as a Tiger Cub in 2003, and what I remember most from those days is going on the campouts. I really admired all of the older Scouts and thought they were just the coolest people ever,” recalled Prentice, who officially passed his Eagle Scout board review in New Hampton on Aug. 5.
In order to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must first pass through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. Scouts must also earn at least 21 merit badges in a variety of categories, serve six months in a troop leadership position, and take part in a Scoutmaster conference. The major task on the journey toward becoming an Eagle Scout, however, is to plan, develop, and give leadership to a service project for a religious organization, school, or community.
When deciding on what his project would be, Prentice knew that he wanted to do something related to the Turkey River. Prentice, who enjoys canoeing and kayaking, originally planned to map the river between Clermont and Elgin and to provide signs at the access points.