By Shavonne Potts
Salisbury Post
It was a daunting task, but 17-year-old Kurt Stebe was up to the challenge.
His years of being in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts had prepared him to spearhead his own project. His fellow Scouts and family would be there to help also.
Stebe is a Boy Scout with Troop 401, sponsored by Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
It was a couple of months ago that Stebe, of Salisbury, began planning the project so that he could receive his Eagle Award, one of the highest awards a Scout can acquire.
He set out to complete a trail at the Rowan County Wildlife Association off Glover Road.
"I chose to do the trail. It involved cleaning the trail and lining it with logs," Stebe said.
Also, his parents are members of the Wildlife Association.
About 10 people worked with Stebe on his project.
"He could recruit anyone, typically they use other troop members," said Henry Fairley, assistant Scoutmaster.
Fairley and other veteran Scout members guided Stebe throughout the planning process, which included an essay about his future ambitions and what being a Boy Scout has taught him.
The district board approves the project before a Scout can begin.
Before the project got underway, Stebe had meetings with the Wildlife Association board, who let him look at the condition of the trail.
"I thought it looked awful hard, but it was something I could do," he said.
Stebe explained that the Wildlife Association wanted the trail to remain as natural as possible. So he had to use wood from the area and other natural products.
Stebe cut the wood and set the logs aside so that on the day of the project, the other Scouts could line them up.
In one day, they cleared the path and laid the trail.
"It feels good to accomplish it," he said.
About two weeks after completing the trail, Stebe helped some Scouts from another troop extend the trail during a Boy Scout camp.
"We encourage other organizations to maintain the trail," Stebe said.
The District Board reviews the project and gives the OK. Stebe said he must submit paperwork and photos before he's approved for his award.
Stebe, who is home schooled, has also been awarded the Order of the Arrow, which is an honor society for Boy Scouts. He's earned 52 badges.
Stebe got involved in Scouting because it was something he "always wanted to do."
His parents are also involved in Scouting.
Stebe enjoys getting to camp in the wilderness, fish and earn merit badges.
His next adventure is visiting Salisbury, England in 2008 with his family.
Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253 or spotts@salisburypost.com.
Sun, Nov 4, 2007
