Local boy scout hopes to finish Eagle Scout project before leaving for the army in June

BREMEN - A boy scout in Bremen is getting close to finishing his Eagle Scout project, and hopes the community can help out before he leaves for basic training.

Charles Gordon, a senior studying criminal justice at Eastland-Fairfield Career Center and a Boy Scout in Troop 95 in Bremen, is in the middle of his Eagle Scout project.

Gordon's ultimate goal is to plant multiple trees in Howell Park and in the village. Right now, he's in the fundraising phase of his project, around $250 short of his goal of $800 to purchase the trees.

He said he wants to wrap up fundraising so the trees can be purchased and delivered in time to plant them so he can take some time with his family before he is sent to the US Army basic training.

Gordon isn't a stranger to hard work and leadership roles. Whether he's working with other scouts on their projects, a competition with his troop or just helping his grandparents, Gordon said he's got a strong ethic.

"I've been in the scouts ever since I was old enough to join, starting in the first grade with the cub scouts. There was a small break around when I was in fifth grade because my family moved to Bremen, but after I saw Troop 95 doing a campout in the park, I joined them," Gordon said. "Scouting has made a huge impact on my life. It's given me lessons I've needed in life, plus set me up for my career in the military."

"If I hadn't joined scouting, I'm sure I'd be a completely different person today."

While he's been a part of Eagle Scout projects before, Gordon said he hadn't been aware of the work leading one takes. Besides raising money to purchase the trees, he said the biggest challenge has been time.

"Finding a time when everyone is available, once we have the trees, is tough. Coordinating everyone's schedules to get as many people working together has been a huge challenge. But leading them in the actual project should be easy. It's one thing that scouting, and studying at the career center, has prepared me for," Gordon said. "Having that leadership experience has made the project go pretty smoothly, besides time."

Gordon said he was inspired to plant fruit trees in the park because there aren't many trees in the area that produce fruit. His thought was it would help wildlife or anyone who might need the food. He said he knows it will take time for the trees to mature and produce fruit, but once they do, they'll be there for whoever needs them.

Deborah Wolfe, a Bremen village councilwoman and the chairwoman of the parks and swimming pool committee, said she appreciates Gordon's efforts.

"The village doesn't have its own department to watch over the parks, so all of our maintenance is done by volunteers. Charles is one of those volunteers, and anything that makes the park better is something I'm certainly going to welcome," she said. "I think he's a good kid, a fine young man."

"It's great to have people who are willing to help and to do things, and Charles is definitely one of them, especially with his choice to serve in the army."

Gordon said they've raised $535 so far, and he's still accepting donations.

"People have been mailing donations to me, and if anyone is interested they can reach out to set something up. I'd like to get the funding done by the end of April, so we can order the trees and have them planted by May, so I don't have to rush around before I leave for boot camp," he said. "Working on this project has meant a lot to me, and I'm looking forward to getting it done."

If you're interested

If any reader is interested in donating to Charles Gordon's eagle scout project, he can be contacted by e-mail at cjf21cgordon@gmail.com for information.

blawlis@gannett.com

740-681-4342

@BarrettLawlis