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Chilly temperatures greeted eager Boy Scouts from Troop 113 Monday morning as they helped fellow scout 15-year-old Henderson Stegall work on his Eagle Scout project.
“We found buried treasure,” joked 14-year-old Andrew York, as he and Henderson, the project leader, began digging in front of the Northwest Georgia Sexual Assault Center.
About 12 boys from Troop 113, as well as a few friends who just wanted to help out, met at the center to do some much-needed landscaping.
“This center had such a need, and I felt like I could help,” said Henderson, a Darlington eighth-grader. “All the center’s money goes to helping their clients, so I knew they wouldn’t be able to do something like this unless we helpe
Boy Scouts from Troop 113 work on landscaping Monday at the Northwest Georgia Sexual Assault Center. By Ryan Smith / RN-T |
d.”
Henderson, the son of Angie and Jo H. Stegall III, heard about the center’s need for landscaping from a member of the center’s board and family friend, Peter Hjort. As soon as Henderson saw the center, he knew it was part of the work he wanted to do toward becoming an Eagle Scout.
The troop is planting several bushes and trees, as well as putting up a fence, Henderson said. “I know they really need this. It’s about helping others feel good.”
Henderson is hoping to log 100 hours and has logged quite a few already with all the preliminary work that went into the project, which included going to several home improvement stores to find plants and soil.
Henderson said he is very appreciative for all the donations he received.
Henderson also had a strong team supporting him, including friends and family.
“Things turned into a family affair with Henderson’s grandmother helping design the landscaping,” said Angie Stegall.
Family is also part of Henderson’s inspiration. His grandfather and namesake, Dr. Jo Henderson Stegall Jr., is an Eagle Scout and showed up to help the boys as well.
“This is a good group of boys,” Jo Stegall said.
The troop didn’t waste any time digging in and showed up ready, with shovels in hand, to help out not only a friend but their community as well.
“Henderson helped me with my project, so I came out here to help him with his,” said Eagle Scout Jack Kelly.
Friend Russ Arnold came out early to help as well: “I was tired this morning, but I wanted to help Henderson.”
“I am so thankful that my friends came out here to help me this morning,” Henderson said.
He believes he has about two more months and a few more badges to go before he will be eligible for the Board of Reviews, which will determine if Henderson will earn his Eagle Scout ranking.
Boy Scout Troop 113 has had more than 100 Scouts reach Eagle status the past 22 years.
Henderson said he has learned much from his five years in the Boy Scouts.
“I have learned about first-aid, tying knots, leadership, and it gets me outside,” he said.
Barbara Conforti, director of the center receiving the landscaping, said she is thankful for the work the boys are doing.
“It’s just wonderful. It just ties the whole center together,” said Conforti, who has worked hard to give the new center a warm and welcoming appeal.
Henderson is happy to help and knows this is all a part of being a Boy Scout.
He sees the project as a challenge.
“The Boy Scouts have taught me that I can finish anything I set my mind on,” he said.
And his mind is set on helping his community during his journey to become an Eagle Scout.
