Richard Stephen, an 18-year-old Eagle Scout candidate, recently finished a shade structure project for the Mojave Archers Archery Club’s range in Phelan. The club held a dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting to mark the completion of the project. The structure provides protection from the sun for archers and spectators and offers a great training location adjacent to the fireing line. “The main benefit is protection from the sun, keeping the kids cool and safe from sunburns,” Richard explained. This addition is especially beneficial for children attending the summer archery classes, ensuring they can enjoy their activities in a safer and more comfortable environment.
Stephen, a member of Troop 146 in Quartz Hill, undertook the project as part of his journey to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. His scouting journey began at age 8 when he joined the Cub Scouts. “My mom was a den leader, so it was like, ‘I’m gonna do this with my mom,’” he shared. Stephen transitioned to the Boy Scouts at age 12 and has since been part of three different troops.
Finding a suitable Eagle project proved challenging for Stephen. He initially approached his former elementary school, but they could not find a suitable project to work on. Ready to quit, Stephen sought advice from his scoutmaster. “He gave me the number to George [DuBois], the contact at the archery range. We met up, walked around, and figured out what they needed,” Stephen recounted. The archery range required shade, as their existing cover was insufficient. Thus, the idea for a shade structure was born.
Planning the project involved working with Stephen’s grandfather, who had construction experience. “My grandpa and I decided on the blueprints, figured out dimensions and footing, and made a material list,” Stephen explained. The project faced several challenges, mostly the strong winds that constantly impeded their construction efforts. “The wind was a big pain in the butt,” Stephen admitted. “It was constantly blowing something away or down.”
Stephen persevered with help from fellow scouts, family members, and community supporters. Mojave Archers donated $500 to the project, while other local businesses also contributed. Fundraising was another significant challenge. Stephen visited numerous businesses, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Harley-Davidson, to request donations.
Leadership was a key aspect of the project. “It wasn’t really me doing it; it was me delegating things to others and teaching them how to do certain tasks,” Stephen said. This experience significantly strengthened his leadership skills.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was well attended, highlighting the results of Richard’s hard work. Representatives from the Mojave Archers Club, the PPHCSD Parks and Recreation, and members of the community gathered to celebrate. During the ceremony, a plaque mounted on the shade structure was dedicated to Richard in appreciation of his determination and a job well done. George DuBois, a representative from the Mojave Archers Club, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This structure will make a huge difference for our summer program. We’re so grateful to Richard and everyone who helped make this possible.”
Stephen’s scouting journey has been filled with memorable experiences, particularly summer camps. “Summer camps were a lot of fun. I learned many skills and earned merit badges,” he shared. His involvement in scouting has imparted valuable leadership and communication skills that have benefited him in his daily life and will continue to do so in the future.
Currently, Stephen is awaiting his Board of Review, the final step before officially becoming an Eagle Scout. He plans to continue his involvement in scouting through the Order of the Arrow, a service-based organization within the Boy Scouts of America. In the fall, he will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, to study neuroscience. He aspires to become a neurosurgeon.
Stephen’s advice to other scouts just beginning their Eagle projects is simply, “Just don’t quit. Keep powering through it. Although it’ll get hard, it’ll all be fine in the long run.” With the support of his scoutmaster, family, and community, Richard Stephen has not only achieved a significant milestone in his scouting career but has also laid the foundation for a lifetime of service and achievement as he moves through life.
