CARIBOU, Maine — Carter Belanger, 16, of Caribou Scout Troop 184 recently became an Eagle Scout during an Oct. 13 ceremony, in addition to receiving supplemental awards and certificates.
Belanger’s Eagle Scout project involved extensive renovation to the ski trails adjacent to Caribou High School, an endeavor that took him “pretty much all of the summer and fall,” according to Scoutmaster Vaughn Keaton.
Belanger, a member of the Caribou High School ski team, said he was inspired to take on the project after noting the worsening condition of the ski trails.
“So he came to me and said he’d like to work on the trails,” Keaton said, “and made a presentation to the school board, who agreed that it needed some improvement and let him go forward with the project.”
With the help of family, friends and fellow scouts, Belanger put in more than 166 hours clearing brush and taking down trees along the trails in addition to creating and placing more than 30 signs along the trail.
Keaton said he was initially apprehensive to approve the project, considering its scale and the amount of work required.
“He assured me he would get it done,” Keaton said, “and he did a great job. It came out pretty good. I was impressed.”
Belanger was awarded with letters of congratulations from U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, Maine Senate President Troy Jackson and the Young Marines. He was also recognized by the Caribou Rotary Club, who helped sponsor the project.
Keaton added that S.W. Collins Company in Caribou also helped “quite a bit” with funding, and that Sam Collins later awarded Belanger with a certificate of appreciation.
And having earned 15 merit badges beyond the 21 required to obtain his Eagle Scout distinction, Belanger was awarded with the bronze, silver and gold Eagle Palm.
“It’s quite an accomplishment,” Keaton said, “and we had a good showing for everyone at the ceremony.”
