Eagle Scout Wins Greater Los Angeles Area Council Project of the Year

When faced with the challenge to complete an Eagle Scout project, Alexander B. knew he wanted to develop a project that would not only make camping more enjoyable, but that could also save lives. Alexander hoped to help keep his community safe and now, thanks to his inspiring efforts, his project has earned the honorable title of Project of the Year by the Greater Los Angeles Area Council.

Alexander B. wins local council’s Project of the Year Award

“I completed my project in the San Gabriel Mountains at a remote backpacking site at a camp ground on the Pacific Crest Trail where I installed seven 330-pound bear lockers in an effort to keep people safe,” the 17-year-old shared with the Daily Breeze.

Alexander says he came up with the idea to install “Bear Boxes” after speaking with David Ledford, a troop leader and volunteer with the U.S. Forest Department.

“Due to the terrible forest fires over the past few years, the bears have had less food to eat, so they are looking for food,” said Alexander. “The project will discourage bears from entering campsites as the people staying there will have all of their smellables and food locked in these boxes, and the bears will not be able to have access.”

The Greater Los Angeles Area Council’s Eagle Scout Association Committee has since selected Alexander as the “Glenn A. and Melina W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award” recipient for the Class of 2017. His project is now in the running for the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from the National Eagle Scout Association.

“I am extremely grateful to receive this award. Scouting has so much to offer,” Brey said. “Through every challenge that I have overcome, I have been able to look back and realize how it has shaped me. It is not easy to push yourself to work hard, but becoming an Eagle Scout has truly changed my life like nothing has before.”

Learn more about Alexander’s unique Eagle Scout project by reading the full story on the Daily Breeze. All photo credits: Stephen Brey.