By David “DJ”Nelson, Eagle Scout candidate
Riverview resident David “DJ” Nelson has been in scouting since 2004, has risen through the ranks and now is an Eagle Scout candidate. He has held leadership roles as Troop Guide, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader and a Troop Guide for the National Youth Leadership Training Course. Nelson is a member of Troop 1986.
He recently was selected to attend the Blake High School magnet program for the performing arts. He is an Honor Roll student.
His Eagle Scout leadership project was a 10X10 wooden gazebo with a bench and a trail with a butterfly garden in the Lake St. Charles community. There are over 65 plants in the butterfly garden.
Scoutmaster for Troop 1986, L.T. Lafferty said, “I am very proud of DJ’s accomplishments in our troop and his Eagle Scout leadership project is amazing. He was selected and served with me on the National Youth Leadership Training course as a Youth Leadership Trainer and has excelled in all areas. Great job DJ.”
Dave Candia, Lake St. Charles CDD Vice-Chairman presented Nelson with a board resolution thanking him for his distinguished service to the community over the years culminating with his Eagle Scout project.
Troop 1968 meets every Thursday at 7-8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church located at 120 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon.
Below is an excerpt from a letter Nelson wrote to the Lake St. Charles (LSC) community:
“Dear LSC Residents,
My name is DJ Nelson and I am currently a Life Scout with Troop 1986 … and my goal is to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout rank. I am 15-years-old and have lived in LSC since 2001.
I decided to complete my Eagle Scout leadership project in my community, Lake St. Charles. My project consists of a 10X10 pressure treated wood gazebo with a green steel roof, and a 65 ft. path. The path will connect the two blacktop paths and the gazebo. I am also planting 68 drought resistant and butterfly friendly plants around the gazebo and in the park area.
Many scouts and parents from my troop and our LSC Property Manager helped build the forms, pour the concrete pad and place the gazebo. Special thanks to the LSC CDD Board for allowing me to complete my Eagle Scout leadership project in my community.
It has been an honor to create such a beautiful amenity for our community. I hope you enjoy the gazebo.”
