Advertisement

Peterson plans Eagle Scout project on Big Springs trail

Error message

  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).

Logan Peterson, son of Candi and Erikk Peterson, is the first in his family to progress to the rank of Life in Boy Scouts. He hopes to become an Eagle Scout with a trail project at Big Springs Nature Park this summer. (Press photo by Molly Moser)

By Molly Moser

Logan Peterson doesn’t remember life before Boy Scouts. He started as a kindergartener, and at 17 is pursuing the highest rank: Eagle Scout.

Peterson’s Scout journey has taught him orienteering using maps, compass, and GPS, lashing and knot-tying skills used to make bridges or seats, first aid, menu planning, cooking, how to build a fire, proper campsite cleanup, and much more. He says he’s learned “basic life skills, as well as others that aren’t getting taught regularly – like taking care of yourself in the wilderness by getting in touch with nature and not being completely foreign to it.” Peterson says being a lifelong Boy Scout has also shown him how to be a good citizen. 

The 17-year-old son of Candi and Erikk Peterson of Garnavillo is headed into his senior year at Clayton Ridge High School this fall. He was chosen to attend Boys State this summer, where he served as the Senate Majority Leader and enjoyed the experience along with 500 other students from across Iowa. He spends the rest of his summer days working at Kamp Klaus, acting as a life guard and leading other scouts in canoe, kayak, rowing, and small boat sailing activities. He also helps with swimming and life saving courses. 

During the school year, Peterson participates in cross country and track. Last spring he and teammates Luis Lopez, Mitchell Breitbach and Easton Cook broke several school records for the 4x800 meter relay and earned ninth place at the state track competition. He also sings in the choir and attended the Dorian Vocal Festival last winter. 

Recently, Peterson was elected Lodge Chief of Timmeu Lodge, home of the Northeast Iowa Order of the Arrow (OA): a service organization and the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America. Members are elected from within their units and recognized as those who best live the ideals of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. Under the guidance of selected adults, OA members provide leadership to the organization. This leadership from the Scouts themselves encourages others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others.

An example of this cheerful service is Peterson’s proposed Eagle Scout project, which would widen trails at Guttenberg’s Big Springs Nature Park. “I’m experienced in trail work,” said Peterson, who has helped repair trails at Kamp Klaus since 2012. He plans to cut down nettles and plants and to lay gravel to help keep the trail from getting muddy from its base up to the springs. The project will also include a natural crossing point across the water and trail work on the other side. “The last thing I want to do is disturb the flow of nature here,” he told The Press.

“It’s something that’ll last,” he said, noting that while projects like blood drives or food drives are helpful, Eagle Scout projects must have more long-term results. Peterson will present the project to a committee for approval, and must prepare a packet including the cost of the project, tools needed, and volunteer help. He’ll restate the Boy Scout law and oath, explain the other requirements he’s met, and the committee will decide whether he’s accomplished enough to become an Eagle Scout.

Bob Rodenberg, Dave Rodenberg, Shane Cline and Ted Moser have been inspiring leaders throughout his Boy Scout journey, Peterson told The Press, teaching valuable lessons and sharing their life experiences. His father helped him build pinewood derby cars and drove him to meetings. “The most credit for why I stuck it out goes to my mom. She helped with meetings and helped rekindle the flame I have for Scouting during times I was less interested. I wouldn’t have stuck it out without her,” said the Boy Scout.

Interested community members are invited to help with the Big Springs project, which will take place over several weekends next month. Members of his troop, graduated members, and other troop members he knows from Kamp Klaus will also volunteer to help. “It’s good experience for them to see how an Eagle Scout project will be done,” Peterson explained. “It’s their duty to help others as it is my duty to help others. 

To volunteer for the project, email Peterson at logan.peterson@crcsd.k12.ia.us.

Rate this article: 
No votes yet