Good scouts

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
David Atkins didn't have to look far for advice while building picnic tables and barbecue pits for Eastside Park in Russellville as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Atkins recently joined his father, Grant, and brother, John, as the third member of his family to become an Eagle Scout when he completed his project in early March.
To achieve Eagle Scout status, boys must complete a large community project before they turn 18.
John, 15, completed his project last November by cleaning and repairing Veteran's Park in downtown Russellville.
John and David, 14, both had to work with the city to secure help and materials for their projects.
The community projects are designed to teach the boys one of the greatest characteristics of scouts-leadership.
Scouting also encompasses several other important beliefs.
The Atkins' are part of Troop 39, which has been chartered by First United Methodist Church in Russellville for many years. Three other members of the troop made Eagle Scout last year.
Russellville's Troop 39 has been very active through the years and has afforded the Atkins' many opportunities, including Grant's trip to Sweden in the late 1970s.
Both David and John say that they plan to remain active in scouts for many more years, while their dad says that he may back off a little after his boys go off to college.