Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America and the requirements to achieve this rank can take years. One final step is a service project that the member plans, organizes and manages. Marshall County senior Kyle McClain recently completed his service project, something that is close to his heart as a member of the Marshall County High School mountain bike team.
“I wanted to give something back to the mountain bike team after being involved with it for the past four years”, McClain said.
After seeing similar areas at many of the cycling venues McClain has competed at, he decided he wanted to give back to his sport and community with a project at the bike trail at the Kentucky Dam State Park, known to many as the Bo Beckett Memorial Trail (BBMT).
McClain constructed a bike stand, rock garden and bike maintenance station near the entrance to the trail. A total of almost 111 man hours went into all aspects of McClain’s project that began December 28, 2017 and was completed on September 20, 2018.
“You don’t realize how much you have to do until you start working on the project”, McClain said. Adding that after coming up with the plans and designs, he then had to secure donations for the project.
Eagle Scout requirements also include earning 21 merit badges (10 more than the rank of Life Scout) and successfully complete the board of review. McClain will be presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes his accomplishments at a future ceremony.
