Braden's Eagle Project

We're so proud of Braden for all his work to earn his Eagle. Andy and I are not "scouters" and really never pushed or told Braden he had to get his Eagle. We just told him if he was going to do it to do it well or not at all. How's that for motivation? :) We really didn't want to nag and make it miserable for everyone with leverage to get his driver's license or whatever most people do. So we were happy that it was something he took on himself and did a great job. I remember the first Court of Honor we went to. Bro. Barney was just called to be the scout master the same week Braden turned 12. Bro. Barney got up and told the boys that his mother earned his Eagle scout. He went on to tell the boys that they needed to do this themselves so it will mean something and be something they can be proud of. He was a great leader for Braden as was Bro. Ashby and Bro. Cutrer. I would say our ward isn't a scouting ward but we have great leaders that understand that this is something the boys need to do and they are there to help. Not the other way around. Braden has grown and learned from the experiences he has had and it has pushed him far outside his comfort zone. And that is what I think becoming a Eagle Scout is all about. Pushing yourself and growing. Braden was ready to earn his Eagle before he turned 14 which was his goal but he had a few hiccups with merit badges that frustrated him and he lost interest. Before the school year started he got focused again on it and got his project together. One of his favorite primary teachers broke his arm biking on the trails above our house because of a poorly graded, rocky section on the trail. Braden went to the city and got approval to improve this section of the trail for his project. We had great support from his fellow scout troop and leaders and we were able to spend a Saturday morning working on the trail. There were so many hikers and bikers on the trail that would stop and ask what we were doing and Braden would explain and every response was how wonderful it was that we were doing this and how that section of the trail really needed the improvements to make it safer to bike and run on the trail. I think everyone felt like they were making a difference with the work we were doing. They don't do Eagle Court of Honors in our Stake so if you want one you have to do it yourself. We gave Braden the option to do one or not and he chose not to. We wanted him to have something for his hardwork and dedication so we decided to surprise him with an Apple Watch to always remind him of his hard work and growth from earning his Eagle.  So proud of you Bud!