People who enjoy spending time at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center have Trail Life USA Freedom Award candidate and First Officer Jon Michael Babb to thank for a new bridge crossing a ravine on the nature trail leading to the wildlife area.
Jon Michael, 17, said he noticed the bridge was rotting when he and fellow members of Troop 69, based out of Morris Hill Baptist Church, were on a hike at the nature center.
The East Brainerd resident chose to lead the troop in constructing a new bridge for his Servant Leadership Project, a community service project that Trail Life USA members must complete in order to earn the Freedom Award.
"It's the highest achievement you can get in the organization," Jon Michael said referencing Trail Life, a church-based discipleship program and service organization for boys.
Contributed photo by Steve Babb / Jon Michael Babb puts the final nail into the bridge he and fellow Trail Life USA Troop 69 members built at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center.The project took him 40 hours of planning and he and his troop spent 16 hours constructing the bridge, which is used by around 15,000 people each year, said Jon Michael.
"I've learned to work with people I know and learned to teach others," he said of the experience. "I will benefit greatly from this in life."
Aside from the Servant Leadership Project, Jon Michael said he must also write several essays and go before a review board in order to receive the award. He has been a Trail Life member since 2014 and plans to be an adult leader, as his father is now, once he earns the Freedom Award.
"For all boys interested in something that's church-based and outdoorsy, it's a great opportunity to learn and teach others," he said of Trail Life. "There's lots of camping and canoeing and lots of trips, and everyone has a great time."
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.