Brothers in Scouts

Reaching Eagle Scout, the highest advancement in Boy Scouting, normally means one has endured numerous campouts, hikes and expeditions, while finding ways to serve the community. For Ian and Grant Turner, two Coeur d’Alene High School brothers, their Eagle Scout achievement means more than just good memories. They believe the skills they’ve developed will stay with them throughout their lives and help them reach their goals.

Ian, 18, is already using the leadership skills he gained in Scouting in his position as assistant manager at the Hayden movie theater. To qualify for the honor of Eagle Scout, he constructed baseball helmet and equipment storage boxes and bat racks for Hayden’s Little League baseball complex at Croffoot Park. He organized troop and family members to help complete his task.

As a sports enthusiast, Ian recalled how crowded and disorganized the dugout was when he played baseball. Constructing the storage space left him with a feeling of accomplishment.

“This was the last hurdle to the finish line,” he said of the 75-hour project. “It teaches you how to manage other people, how to work with regulations, and come up with a plan and stick with it.”

Eagle Scouts are required to submit their project proposal before a board and show how it will demonstrate leadership while providing something to better their community. Scouts must follow controlled protocols, track their hours, purchase materials and organize help.

Grant Turner, 16, chose a project that was suggested to him by ranger district personnel. The Sagle Fire Department needed a new fire danger sign. After 40 hours of painting, wood-cutting, and roof construction to protect Smokey Bear’s picture, Grant’s sign stands along U.S. Highway 95 to alert the public to fire danger levels.

Grant’s love of the outdoors has kept him with Scouting since age 6, when he became a Tiger Cub. He was motivated to pursue Eagle Scout achievement after learning that it might help him in the future. Since only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts make it to Eagle, he thought it might help him compete for a job some day.

The Turners’ scoutmaster, Ed Wilson, of Troop 228, agrees that the journey to become an Eagle can set young men apart. They must fulfill a slew of requirements in leadership, service and outdoor skills.

“It takes time,” Wilson said. “It’s not easy.”

Badges must be earned, and leadership and citizenship skills must be demonstrated prior to Eagle Scout advancement. The Turners have helped lead their troop and live true to the Boy Scout code of conduct by displaying honesty and trustworthiness.

“They’re both great kids,” Wilson said. “You can count on them. When they say they’re going to do something, they do it. Their sense of responsibility is a lot higher than most. That’s part of why they made Eagle.”

Ian believes there is a reward for being viewed as trustworthy and responsible. It earns him respect from adults, good recommendations for college and jobs, and special privileges at times. He feels that the work ethic, planning skills and general knowledge he’s gained from Scouts will help him reach his goal to become a pilot.

“I can’t stand it when there’s a job that has to be done and it’s not done,” he said.

Besides working 20 hours per week, Ian plays varsity football and is active on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and Student Council.

Grant also holds a part-time job as a prep cook and plays on the varsity football team. He has earned merit badges in cooking, lifesaving and wilderness survival.

“All of the badges I’ve earned have skills that will help me in life after high school,” he said.

Both boys were prompted to be in Scouts by their parents, Steve and Diane Turner, who have acted as troop leaders in previous years. Yet Grant found that a love for the outdoors was most influential in his decision to stay involved.

“I just like Scouts, ” he said. “It was fun for me.”