Eagle Scout Project Turns Passion Into Community Space for Pups
Photographer / John Bolinger
As a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, Carter Pitzer has the opportunity to further the mission, values and time-honored traditions of scouting throughout his community and country.
The association’s mission is to unite Eagle Scouts in a lifelong commitment to Scouting’s highest ideals. Rooted in service, leadership and the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it fosters a community that empowers Eagles to make a meaningful impact and inspires the next generation to soar to new heights.
For Pitzer, who earned his rank of Eagle Scout in May of this year, that means serving and leading in his community through his recent Eagle Scout project — something all local dog owners can get excited about.
“For my Eagle Scout project, I chose to build a dog park — something that combined my love for dogs with a need I saw in the community,” Pitzer says. “I have two dogs of my own, and I’ve always been passionate about animals, so creating a safe, enjoyable space for dogs and their owners felt like the perfect fit.”
The dog park, located in Jackson Morrow Park, sits on the side of Webster near the skate park. A ribbon cutting was held in July to celebrate the grand opening.
To raise funds for the dog park — nearly $20,000 — Pitzer came up with the idea to create and sell custom displays featuring the different Scout ranks and merit badges. This not only helped raise the money he needed but also allowed him to share the Scouting journey with others in a creative way.
Throughout the project, Pitzer developed a wide range of skills, like learning how to plan and manage a large-scale community project, how to coordinate with local organizations and volunteers, and how to keep everything moving on schedule. He also grew significantly in areas like public speaking, communication and multitasking — skills that he knows will serve him well in both college and his future professional career.
Pitzer is heading into his freshman year at Ivy Tech in Kokomo, where he will study computer programming and begin building a career in a field he is passionate about.
“Scouting has been an incredibly valuable experience for me,” Pitzer adds. “I’ve learned practical skills like first aid and wilderness survival, but beyond that, it’s taught me the importance of leadership, responsibility and teamwork. Earning the Eagle rank is something I’m really proud of, and the lessons I’ve learned will definitely carry over into my studies and career in technology.”
Pitzer has been fortunate to have a number of mentors who have supported and shaped him along the way to becoming an Eagle Scout. Some of the most influential have been family members, close friends, teachers and even family friends — each offering their own perspective, encouragement and guidance during difficult parts of his journey.
“I’ve also made lasting friendships with people I now spend time with outside of Scouts, which has made the journey even more meaningful,” he says.
Outside of his mentorship and friendships, a specific quote has helped Pitzer maintain his ambition and drive.
“One quote that really sticks out to me is from the Disney Pixar movie Up — ‘Adventure is out there,’” he says. “I love this quote because, to me, it means there’s always something new to explore or accomplish — you just have to be open to the possibilities and willing to go find them. Whether it’s in school, Scouts or life in general, I try to carry that mindset with me. It helps me stay motivated and curious, always looking forward to what’s next.”
