By Sarah Vining

Seventeen-year-old James Kerbs is working towards earning his Eagle Scout Rank. His service  project is to coordinate projects for the Loon Lake Food Bank this winter. 

 

James gathered six other men and organized an effort on Oct. 10 to chop and stockpile wood at Loon Lake Food Bank for locals who may need it as the weather gets cold. This was just phase one of Kerbs’ project.  

“Today we’re cutting wood for people in need,” said James. “We will also have food drives and  we will be contacting organizations like Second Harvest. Also, we will be collecting personal hygiene items that are needed, like shampoo and soap. A lot of people don’t have money for food or hygiene items nowadays. The Loon Lake Food Bank helps those people in Loon Lake  and surrounding areas.” 

 

Emergency Need

 

Kerbs learned from Liz Bauer, operations manager at the Loon Lake Food Bank, that the food  bank building itself is in dire need of major repairs. 

 

“The old building’s refrigerated room is outdated and the drywall and lighting are not holding up. There are zero funds to help with this situation,” said Bauer.  

 

Bauer explained the problem. She said the cooler is in desperate need of a total overhaul. The compressor is fine, but the walls, ceiling, and lights need to be replaced. The cooler slide-up door is falling apart from excessive use over the last 15 to 20 years and needs to be widened by two feet in order for the forklift to get in and out of the cooler safely.

 

Bauer said she had applied for a grant to repair it, but that grants are very hard to get now. 

 

“It is crucial that the repairs get done soon so we can continue helping our neighbors who face food insecurities everyday. Without the cooler we will not have the storage we need to properly and safely, store the food we desperately need for our community.”  

 

With the SNAP program possibly losing funding due to the government shutdown, along with  higher food prices, the Loon Lake Food Bank is already seeing an increased number of clients  each day they are open. A recent count showed over 350 families who rely on food from LLFB. That number is
expected to rise each week. 

 

The Loon Lake Food Bank has never been needed more by its community. Unfortunately, if the cooler falls into further disrepair, they will have to shut their doors. Any donations toward the repairs would be very much appreciated. Any licensed contractors who may be willing to assist, please call Liz Bauer at (509) 233-8450 or email her at llfb@loonlakefoodbank.org. 

 

When Kerbs heard about the problems with the cooler, he knew he had to help with that project, as well as the other activities he already had on his list. He contacted local grant writer, Tawana Swanson, to ask if this situation was something she might be able to help with. Kerbs and Swanson met with Bauer to get a better grasp of the scope of work required. Swanson agreed to help write a capital grant once contractor bids are received at the food bank. 

 

“I want to help them get on the right track in getting this started,” said Swanson. “In the meantime, Kerbs will be campaigning in the community for funds to help with the  replacement or repairs.” 

 

James Kerbs is a member of Scout Troop 2028 in Deer Park. The men helping him with the firewood project were his own brothers, as well as mentors from both Scouts and his church. 

 

According to Kerbs, “This is a great community, without reservation. All are more  than willing to help when there is a service that needs to be done.” 

 

Family Legacy 

 

Incredibly, Kerbs is the eighth brother in his family to work on earning his Eagle Rank. He is a member of a large, diverse family that includes adoptees, foster kids and biological offspring. Seven older brothers have already earned the honor of being called Eagle Scouts. 

 

Kerbs’ very proud mom, Connie Kerbs, mentioned, “Scouting has been an important platform  for our family. We have been involved in Scouts for 35 years. I love the efficacy that these  boys learn through Scouting. Our sons all had mentors who taught our young men to be selfless. Having mentors through Scouting has meant the world towards their personal  development.” 

 

Achievements

 

In the past year, Kerbs and others from Troop 2028 climbed Mount Adams. This was an ambitious undertaking that required several months of preparation, including meeting regular fitness milestones. As with mountain climbing, Kerbs will reach Eagle Rank by continuing to  put one foot in front of the other until he has conquered his goal. 

 

When Kerbs was asked about what he has gotten out of scouting, he replied, “I have learned  skills like knot tying and basket weaving, but also discipline and selflessness. I’ve learned wilderness skills. I’ve learned about nature and the great outdoors. It is so important for everybody to appreciate everything around us.” 

According to Connie, Kerbs has also learned about leadership. She said he has also learned that “you can do hard things, but they aren’t that hard when many people are working  together.” 

 

Kerbs shared some words of wisdom that he has come to learn through Scouts: 

 

“If someone is in need of help — just help.”  

and  

“There is no downside to service to others.”

 

Scout Oath 

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. 

Eagle Rank 

To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, there are a number of requirements. 

• One must be active in their troop for at least six months. 
• They must demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law 
• A total of 21 specific merit badges must be earned. 
• One must actively serve in their troop for at least six months in a position of responsibility. 
• The Scout needs to plan, develop and give leadership to others through a
  service project.
• They have to participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
• After age 18, they must present these achievements to a review board for the Eagle Scout  rank. 
• Scout Law 

The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law  every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries. 

A Scout is:  

TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.  

LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.  

HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.  

FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.
 

COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.  

KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.  

OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.  

CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.  

THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.  

BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.  

CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.
 

REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others. 

For more information, please visit the website for Scouting America at scouting.org/.

 

 

The Stevens County Times hopes to be able to report when James receives his Eagle Rank. In  the meanwhile, please keep checking our Stevens County Times Facebook page to find out  what items James needs to help the Loon Lake Food Bank.