Eagle Scout makes 30 walking sticks for campers

Andrew Phillips of Charlotte hiked nearly 100 miles over rugged terrain for 12 days during his Boy Scout troop’s trip to New Mexico last year. “It wasn’t easy, but I felt stronger and made memories that will last a lifetime,” he said.

Remembering the accomplishments of that trip and hearing Camp Blue Skies needed walking sticks for its nature hikes inspired his Eagle Scout project. Andrew, a member of Boy Scout Troop 116 at St. John’s Episcopal, made 30 colorful walking sticks for use at camp.

“It’s an incredible feeling of accomplishment to reach the top of the mountain and be able to look out over the landscape,” said Andrew, 16. “I hope that the hiking sticks that I made will give the campers that participate in hiking at Camp Blue Skies a chance to explore nature.”

Andrew visited three stores to find the hardwood dowels. He opted to use poplar dowels because he thought that it would be difficult to find enough natural wood sticks in the right size and condition.

“I wanted to add a paracord handle and researched how to tie it on,” Andrew said. “I found that using a clove hitch knot over and over created the perfect handle tie.” He coordinated paracord with the paint colors, drilled a hole through the top and added a paracord loop. “I glued a rubber stopper on the end of each stick for safety.”

The project took place over two weekends with the help of friends, which reflected showing leadership by involving others, a requirement of Eagle Scout projects.

You may see Andrew at Camp Blue Skies this fall. “I would love to go hiking with the campers at Camp Blue Skies! I’ll look forward to seeing you on the trails!”