Dalton Kroeger of Linn completed his Eagle Scout Service Project after an 11-year journey. As part of an Eagle Scout project, the Scout has to plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or their community. Kroeger chose the Linn Lions Club sign to be his project's focus.
“An Eagle Scout project is a project for a nonprofit organization that benefits them and the community,” Kroeger explained. “I led the troop in creating a replacement sign for the old wooden one that was weathered for the Lions Club. I chose the Lions Club since they have contributed to helping scouts for years, and for putting on the fair. I feel like it was a good thing to give back to them and the community.”
Beyond his project, Kroeger also had to obtain several letters of recommendation. These letters had to include one from a parent/guardian, his employer, a pastor or individual involved in the Scout’s religion, a teacher or individual involved in the Scout’s education, and references of the Scout’s choosing.
“One year at our church, we had to serve a funeral dinner on Christmas Eve,” Karen Farrell, Secretary St. Paul's UCC in Gerald wrote in her letter of recommendation. “I was having trouble getting people to work and serve this dinner. I called Dalton for help and he willingly volunteered. Dalton helped elderly people carry their food trays and served drinks to over 100 people, plus hours of clean up.”
“Each time I have worked with Dalton he has been nothing but polite and respectful. Dalton often goes above and beyond what is expected of him,” Linn R-2 Guidance Counselor Shannon Wolfe wrote in her letter of recommendation. “This year he decided to challenge himself in taking dual credit courses.”
Wolfe aded that Kroeger’s strong work ethic led him to finish among the top of the class.
Kroeger was also praised by Troop 17 Scoutmaster Travis Greer in his letter of recommendation. “While working on advancements in Boy Scouts, Dalton has earned 39 merit badges,” Greer said. “Last year, to build his leadership skills, Dalton served as den chief for the Wolf Den in Cub Scouts,” “As a den chief, he was responsible for planning meetings and helping the scouts earn rank advancements. Dalton was able to not only plan successful meetings but also to help the group of second-graders have fun while learning valuable life skills. Dalton also helps mentor the younger scouts that join the Troop.”
There is a lot more to being a Scout than just earning badges. The Scout Oath states: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
“Being a Scout, to me, means striving to help everybody; to teach people; to be a good leader,” said Kroeger. “There are multiple principles to being a Scout.”
Kroeger praised the organization for its dedication to teaching life skills. He mentioned that learning about nature was just one aspect of the organization. Scouts also teach first aid, cooking, finance, and personal management classes. The Eagle Scout also encourages parents to get their children involved in Scouts.
“I definitely would get your kids involved,” said Kroeger. “It’s a great learning experience and there are a ton of activities to do.”
Kroeger initially joined the Scouts because some of his friends were involved and a lot of their activities were outdoor-based. His love of the outdoors has continued over the years. When he isn’t working at Casper’s 66 in Linn, he can be found engaging in his favorite interests.
“The majority of my hobbies are based on outdoor activities,” said Kroeger of dirt bikes, four-wheeling, ATVs, fishing, and hunting.
Kroeger initially joined the Scouts when he was in first grade and has been a member of Troop 17 since. On April 20, he completed his final task before he could claim the highest achievement in the organization.
Kroeger is currently a senior at Linn High School and has enrolled at State Tech in the fall to study mechanics, specializing in medium and heavy-duty truck technology. He is the son of Micheale and Ron Kroeger II.