Story & Photos By
LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent
Ryan Ladwig is a Troop 5 Boy Scout who identified a need in his Wakulla County community and by demonstrating leadership skills and upholding the Boy Scout Promise of Duty to Other People, Ryan worked with his team to build pathways that lead to the two pavilions and connect to the sidewalk and parking lot of Shell Point Beach.
“I heard about elderly grandparents who were watching their grandchildren play on the beach from the parking lot because they could not access the beach due to their immobility,” said Ryan when asked what prompted him to leap into action to serve his community.
Now, because of Ryan and his team’s hard work, beach visitors with mobility restrictions such as wheelchairs and mobility aids, can now access the beach with ease.
Chris Shook, Ryan’s Scout Master said, “It is great to see Ryan’s leadership put into practice from scouting, it is also great to see the younger scouts learning by example.”
Ryan added, “I want to thank my Scout Master Henry West for everything.”
Proud parents Glenn and Crystal Ladwig said, “We couldn’t be any prouder, we moved here from Tallahassee not too long ago, since Ryan moved to Wakulla, it took him only one week and right away he attended one meeting and one event and Ryan was plugged in with a great group of Scouts. It is great to watch him conquer the hard tasks and work towards his Eagle Scout ranking.”
Wakulla County Assistant County Administrator Somer Pell noted that the Planning & Community Development Department approved the beach’s new walkway project and Pell offered her assistance with the native plants that are planted to help beautify the walkways.
Chris Shook shared that Boy Scouts meetings ages 6-18 years old are held on Tuesday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Crawfordville United Methodist Church. Anyone is welcome to join. You can call 850-443-9492. Other Scouts ages K to 5th grade can still call Chris Shook and he will direct them where to go and who to call.
The three promises of the Scout Oath:
DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: Your family and religious leaders teach you to know and serve God. By following these teachings, you do your duty to God.
Men and women of the past worked to make America great, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country’s good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points.
DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you’re needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.
DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Being morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.
