NAPS Supports Eagle Scout Bridge Project

Students will soon have a new bridge on the nature trail behind the elementary school. Supported in part by a grant from NAPS, Teagan Mullins, 9th grader at NHS and member of Boy Scout Troop #250, plans to rebuild the bridge this spring for his Eagle Scout Project.

The old bridge had broken down, making it unsafe for students to cross. NAPS has sponsored several school nature trail projects including the outdoor classroom, tree identification markers, and construction of other bridges.

Teagan has spent months researching, designing, and planning the project. “It’s been a great experience so far,” he said. “I have been learning so much.”

Everything was falling into place, Teagan said, until about a month ago. “I got it approved by the school board and got funding for materials from NAPS.” Then Teagan suffered a hamstring injury playing flag football in gym class. He was on crutches for several weeks and out of soccer for the season. The injury was a setback but it did not stop Teagan from moving forward with his plan to complete the bridge this spring.

Two full work days were planned, April 13 and April 20, and he has recruited help from his dad, fellow Boy Scouts, and members of the JROTC and Beta clubs. It is fitting that the bridge was scheduled to be completed on Saturday, April 20, the day that NAPS held its Earth Day Festival in Heathsville.

Teagan Mullins is looking forward to becoming an Eagle Scout, and seeing how his hard work helps his community enjoy and appreciate nature.