Eagle Scout project benefits Schoenbrunn Village
Schoenbrunn Village has protected firewood for the cabin and shelter structures on the grounds, thanks to the efforts of Eagle Scout Nathan Walker of New Philadelphia.
Historic Schoenbrunn Village has protected firewood for the cabin and shelter structures on the grounds, thanks to the efforts of Eagle Scout Nathan Walker of New Philadelphia. Walker’s project took on a problem the village had experienced in storing firewood and kindling used for special occasions.
After graduating from New Philadelphia High School this year and being awarded Eagle Scout status, Walker is away at the University of Akron with the goal of becoming a civil engineer, said his mother, Deb Walker.
“He has been involved in his Scouting troop since he was about 13 years old,” she said. “The idea for the firewood boxes came from his former Scout leader, who was very active at Schoenbrunn and knew of the need.”
Nathan Walker, now 18, was awarded his Eagle Scout award on Feb. 23 of this year, just prior to the beginning of pandemic social distancing, at a dinner held at Broadway United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. He has spent his eight years with Troop 84 working to complete numerous merit badges, his mother explained.
For his project Nathan Walker had to ensure the boxes were practical and looked correct for the historic setting. “He used rough cut oak and natural stains like coffee to get the color right for the rough oak,” Deb Walker said. “There were a lot of marathon Saturdays, and he got a lot of help from troop members.”
Each of the small structures, when completed, were branded with a hot iron to leave behind the Scout emblem. Five Schoenbrunn cabins got the new fireboxes, which are open on one side for access to the wood. Prior to this, the museum was using tarps to cover the firewood, which rested on the ground.
Nathan Walker is the only Scout in the family. “He is the outdoorsy one, always interested in the natural world and being outside,” Deb Walker said.
There was a time when he considered dropping out of Scouting. “It was around the time they were getting their winter camping polar bear merit badges,” Deb Walker said. “We had just bought his Scouting backpack, which was no small expense, and he decided to stick with it and went on to get his Eagle Scout award. I am very proud of him for staying with it. Scouting has been a very good experience for him, teaching responsibility, building good relationships, how to communicate effectively and many other things. Scouting really does teach a lot of skills that are important in life. And it is a good thing to have on a life resume, showing that you were able to stick with it and achieve Eagle Scout.”
As a college student, Nathan Walker remains active with Troop 84, helping as an assistant Scoutmaster when he is able. “He likes to help the younger Scouts with their own projects and badges,” Deb Walker said.
Troop 84 is led by Scoutmaster Doug Carpenter.
“I’m really grateful that he got at least half of a good school year for his senior year before the COVID restrictions started,” Deb Walker said.
Nathan Walker, a trumpet player, was able to play for the Christmas concert and other events before lockdowns began.