Eagle Scout project benefits Presumpscot River

Aiden Day

When Aiden Day of Windham chose his Eagle Scout Project, he reached beyond the necessary requirement that it must benefit his community and added a substantial component to help the environment.

As his final requirement to the Eagle Rank, in coordination with property owner Sappi, Day completed his Eagle Scout Project to benefit the Presumpscot River in the Town of Windham. Day had spent time as a child at the popular spot and he noticed that over the years the picnic table rotted into the ground. Runoff had also eroded the down-hill path from the parking lot to the river, which caused sand to wash into the river and harm the habitat. Day designed and built a new picnic area comprising two extra-large tables of white oak to allow room for those wearing waders and added erosion control along the path to the river.

Day, of Troop 51 in Windham, recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts, which is earned by fewer than six percent of all Boy Scouts in the United States. This accomplishment represents the culmination of Day’s ten-year journey in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

As an Eagle Scout, Day will serve as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster to mentor younger scouts in his troop.

During the process of satisfying the requirements for the Eagle rank, over a period of four years, Day earned merit badges representing 21 different fields of interest including first-aid, communication, safety, citizenship, preparedness, camping, environment, personal fitness and personal management, along with merit badges in diverse vocational and recreational subjects such as welding and fly fishing. Day also performed community service, provided service and leadership for his troop.

During Day’s Eagle Court of Honor at Windham Hill United Church of Christ on September 16, Day’s Troop mentor, Lynn Vajda, expressed her pride in his achievement.

“Throughout his journey, Aiden’s character as an Eagle candidate was exemplary,” she said. “Aiden has been an anchor in Troop 51 and leads by example in the troop and in his private life,” Vajda continued.

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

The Scout Oath states, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

The Scout Law states, “A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.”