TORONTO - Nate Barker said it's an honor to have attained his recent status as an Eagle Scout.
Barker, a senior at Catholic Central High School and son of Richard and Marian Barker, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 41 and recently attained the Eagle Scout rank by helping design and oversee construction of layered shelving at St. Francis Catholic Church.
"I've already attained the (Eagle Scout) rank," said Barker. "The actual ceremony will take place May 15 at the North River Avenue Christian Church."
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EARNED HONOR — Nate Barker, a senior at Catholic Central High School and son of Richard and Marian Barker of Toronto, takes a minute with his dog Fyno celebrating his recent attainment of Eagle Scout status. Barker earned the honor by overseeing the construction of storage containers at St. Francis Catholic Church.
"I started out as a Cub Scout in 2001 when I was in second grade," Barker continued. "In 2004 when I was in sixth grade I became a Boy Scout."
Barker said his love of Scouting goes back to his love of the outdoors. While in the Scouts he's earned merit badges in citizenship in the community, nation and the world; music; personal management; personal fitness; first aid; camping; wilderness survival; family life; swimming; and archery. Barker said he had to design the shelving and manage construction on the project.
"I (managed) the building of the shelving units in the St. Francis Church's boiler room in the basement," Barker said. "I had to design and build it myself. To earn Eagle Scout (status) you couldn't just purchase an Ikea shelf and just call it a shelving unit."
Barker said the church paid for the materials, while he designed the shelving and installation of lighting in the room. He added his uncle, fellow Scouts and father helped with construction.
"The whole point of an Eagle Scout project is not so much building the entire project but directing (construction)" he said. "We also painted behind the shelving. The shelves are anchored to the floor and the wall. I think in all we had about 150 manhours invested in the project."
Barker said being a Scout has helped him gain an appreciation of the world and its opportunities.
"I loved Scouting," Barker said. "I loved going camping and doing things I couldn't do around here. It's been a great honor (becoming an Eagle Scout). It wasn't easy. I put a lot of work into it."
(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)
