Since he was a 12-year-old Boy Scout, Garrett Jackson had his eye on a Scout's ultimate achievement - becoming an Eagle Scout.
Thanks to the vision and encouragement of Patsy Young, Jackson found the path that would lead him to completing the requirements to attain this goal.
The 17-year-old from Santaquin, Utah, who came to Lander County to work on Mick Casey's ranch, was having dinner one night with the Young family at the Birch Creek Ranch when he found out Patsy Young's son, Tyler Young, was an Eagle Scout. He then mentioned his own ambitions.
Patsy Young helped him make phone calls to develop and carry out a community project, just one of numerous requirements for earning the honor. He also had to obtain more than 20 merit badges, attend camps, learn various skills and serve as a senior patrol leader, among other things.
On March 29, with the help of 13 people, including missionaries and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, museum volunteers, Boy Scouts and members of the Young family, Jackson spent six hours painting the inside of the Austin Museum and working on the landscaping.
The group also erected six historical markers at various local sites - the Gridley Store, St. George's Episcopal Church, the International Hotel, Stokes Castle, the Nevada Central Turn Table and the Austin Cemetery.
"I think it turned out good," Jackson said of the project. "The walls in the museum definitely look pretty good. I feel good about it because it saved a lot of work for the two ladies who work at the museum. It was cool to see everyone come together as a team to conquer one goal."
Austin Museum Curator Scarlett Ambrose said she was impressed with the magnitude of Jackson's project.
"Garrett did an outstanding job," she said. "He was on top of everything and covered all the bases. We are so grateful and thankful that he wanted to participate in this project. It was a great help to the museum. We're really happy with it."
Nancy Gordon, president of the Austin Historical Society added, "It was just the most wonderful opportunity for him and us and he came into our lives and did an excellent job."
Patsy Young said she was proud of Jackson for his hard work and efforts.
"I'm just thrilled he is able to accomplish it," she said. "I just feel like it will be a feather in his cap the rest of his life. It really holds a lot of respect and admiration. It takes a lot of determination and commitment to see it through. It's not an easy thing."
Jackson initially joined Boy Scouts because all the other boys at his church were involved. After six years in the program, he said becoming an Eagle Scout is a huge achievement for him, one that will also aid in applying to colleges and for jobs.
"To me, it just kind of shows my love of the Boy Scouts program and all of my hard work I put into it," he said. "It has taught me great leadership skills. I have had many leadership experiences and it's taught me a lot about service projects and doing service for others. It's helped me make many friends and develop many skills."
Jackson was able to graduate in January 2014 from Payson High School in Utah. After his cousin phoned in December asking for help on Mick Casey's ranch, Jackson decided to come out and give being a cowboy a try.
He grew up on a farm and spent his whole life around horses. For three months, he worked nine hours a day, six to seven days a week rounding up cattle. After that, he stayed with the Young family at the Birch Creek Ranch for two weeks to earn his Eagle Scout status.
Jackson returned home April 3 and will go through an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony and then prepare to head out on a two-year LDS church mission. After that, he plans to attend Utah State University and earn a degree in range management.
Contact Heather Hill at h.hill@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
