Casey Roberts erected a “Welcome to Bethel” sign on the
corner of Payne and Shelter Rock roads as his Eagle Scout
project. |
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Every time Casey Roberts drove home to Bethel along Route 6, he
noticed "something was missing.” So last year, when the 16-year-old
was looking for an Eagle Scout project, he decided to erect a
"Welcome to Bethel” sign on the corner of Payne and Shelter Rock
roads. The Bethel native is pleased with the "permanent”
contribution he’s made to the town.
To get the project approved, he needed to present his idea to the
Board of Selectman, then the town’s Zoning Commission. Next Casey,
who belongs to Scout Troop 71, went looking for donations. Ring’s
End provided the lumber and Kara Signs made the sign, while
Hollandia Nursery donated shrubs and flowers.
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in scouting, a Boy
Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service,
and outdoor skills, and show knowledge of specific requirements,
which earns him merit badges.
Casey was awarded his Eagle March 23 at the Stony Hill Inn in a
formal ceremony with a breakfast reception. Awards that morning were
presented by state Sen. David Cappiello and First Selectman Judy
Novachek.
Casey is a junior at Bethel High School, where he belongs to the
cross country and track teams and is a member of the Adventure Club,
which helps students develop their passion for climbing
and hiking. The honors student also belongs to the Principal’s
Advisory Group, which helps plan student events like pep rallies. He
works part-time for the Bethel Parks and Recreation Department and
is a referee for town soccer.
Since achieving his Eagle, Casey has continued on with scouting
through Adventure Crew, which is designed to help older Scouts plan
and carry out high-adventure treks.
Scouting has "opened up the door” for Casey, who said he relishes
the outdoors and is an avid sportsman.
He has also earned a 100 Nights Camping award and a 50 Mile Award
for cycling the C&O Canal in Washington, D.C. In 2000, Casey
bicycled 300 miles over a six-day period at Lake Champlain.
Looking back over the years, Casey said he joined scouting at age
six and "stayed with it because I loved summer camp.”
"It was a chance to learn and be exposed to so many things
through earning the merit badges,” he said.
