Life Boy Scout Gerardo Ruiz, age 17, needed a project to finish his scouting and to earn “Eagle” status, the highest rank in the scouting program. After much research, he decided that he wanted to build a bridge over one of the creeks at Placerita Nature Center. Placerita had 3 bridges previously built by scouts and volunteers, but there was one more creek crossing that was dangerous during rains due to the fact that Placerita Canyon Road drains into the little creek, and it can become swollen with fast moving water.
the little creek, and it can become swollen with fast moving water.The Ecology Trail, where the bridge was built, is a year-round favorite trail for school kids and docents alike. In addition to the great need for a safe crossing, Gerardo spent time in Placerita Natural Area when he was a young scout, so it was time to do his part to help the park. It sounded like the perfect Eagle project for the scouts to tackle.
Gerardo’s scout troop, #582, is from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Canyon Country. Gerardo, or “Jerry” as his friends call him, gathered 42 scouts, parents, and other volunteers to help him complete this project. Together, with scout leaders Peter Kurt and Chris Evans, they put in well over 100 hours building a sturdy, safe bridge for the entire community to enjoy.
When asked about the outcome of the project, he laughed, saying that, “it was more work than he thought it would be,” but when it was done, he was happy because it turned out great, was sturdy, and it opened up new opportunities for trails and better, safer hikes. And, of course, he’s going to continue to volunteer, because that is part of who he is. In the future he would like to work in law enforcement, and is thinking about joining the LAPD or the FBI.
Local outdoor enthusiast Maria Gutzeit said: “Scouting is such a fun, safe way to get kids comfortable in the outdoors. We grew up with Girl Scouts in the mid-west, and that was my introduction to bicycle touring, camping, and outdoor cooking.” She continues, “It also teaches kids such a can-do attitude that we adults should revisit. I remember struggling up the Mount Whitney trail in the Eastern Sierra, only to be passed by a pack of Boy Scouts carrying packs almost bigger than they were. What an inspiration! Scouting teaches us that the outdoors is fun, not intimidating, and that sticks with people for life.”
Gerardo says, “Scouts have influenced my life in ways I never realized until growing up. I’ve learned skills that have made me a better person, such as cooking, cleaning, survival skills, discipline, and many more things for my daily life.”
When you meet Gerardo, it is obvious that he is more mature than his years. He is a wonderful, well-rounded teen with a zest for life and he’s always willing to give of himself to others. He says that every scout needs to be a leader, motivated, a disciplined hard worker, and unselfish. He is certainly an example for others to follow.
Gerardo loved being in the scouts, and he says that without his mentors, and his family support, he wouldn’t be the person he is today. He’s always looking for ways to change life for the better, and he believes that any dream he has can come true, if he works hard enough for it. He’s got a great start!
This story was written by Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel with photos by Dianne, Suzette Marechal and Belinda Ruiz. If you have a group that would like to volunteer for projects in and around Santa Clarita please contact Dianne at [email protected]. She’ll be glad to put you to work!