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Aug 06, 2015 | EDOT Staff

Eagle Scout Candidate Builds Prayer Garden in Port Neches

 

Aaron Porter, pictured third from right, gathered friends and family to help build a Camp Allen-style prayer garden at Holy Trinity, Port Neches, for his Eagle Scout Project.

 

Aaron Porter, 17, began his scouting career in 2004 when he was in the first grade. With his Eagle Scout rank, the pinnacle of scouting awards, in sight, Porter was required to plan, develop and give leadership to a service project for a religious organization, school or community. In consultation with his rector, the Rev. Cliff Rucker of Holy Trinity, Port Neches, Porter completed a plan for a prayer garden on the church campus, open to the entire community.

 

Porter spent summers at Camp Allen, the diocesan camp and conference center north of Houston, and wanted the project at Holy Trinity to resemble the garden areas there. He visited the camp and conference center for a first hand examination, consulted local garden experts, drew up the plans and secured donations from local businesses and individuals.

 

On Saturday, July 25, 2015, Porter gathered volunteers, friends and family to build the prayer garden. “It was nice to take charge as the leader, but it was harder to be the leader than to just follow orders,” Porter said.

 

“I am so proud of Aaron, and all the young men and women in scouting programs at our churches,” said the Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle. “the leadership and service they provide through projects like the prayer garden at Holy Trinity, honors their baptismal promises and provides a role model for others in the community.”

 

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must successfully complete five previous levels of Scouting, earn 21 merit badges among which are included first aid, fitness, family live and citizenship. The scout must serve at least six months in a troop leadership position, take part in a Scoutmaster conference and successfully complete a special board of review in addition to the Eagle Scout service project.

 

The son of Bud and Donna Porter of Groves, Porter is a senior at Port Neches Groves High School where is the Drum Major of the Purple Pride Band. He is a Life Scout in Troop 75 in Port Arthur.