Harford Boy Scouts Give Back To School, Community With Projects

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — When people visit the running trail at Harford Christian School or stay at the nonprofit Christian Camp-Wo-Me-To, they're enjoying the amenities built by two local Boy Scouts who place volunteerism and stewardship in the forefront of their lives.

Tim Forloine Jr. is an 11th-grader at Harford Christian School. He's been in Boy Scouts for six years and in the Scouting program for nine years.

"I love the experiences, such as backpacking at Philmont and canoeing at Northern Tier, that are unique to scouting and will last me a lifetime. My duties as senior patrol leader are leading the scout troop and being an example to the other scouts," Forloine told Patch.

For his Eagle Scout project, he made three different outdoor workout stations for his school’s running trail.

"I chose this project to give back to my school for all that they have done for me over the years. My project benefits Harford Christian School's athletics programs such as soccer, cross country and baseball. I think kids should join scouting because it provides skills and experiences that can prepare them for later in life," Forloine added.

Aidan Heinbaugh is a 10th-grader at Calvert Hall College High School and a Life Scout who has completed all the requirements for Eagle Scout, including his community project. He will receive the Eagle award along with several other T777 Scouts later this year.

He's also the assistant senior patrol leader of T777 and has been a Boy Scout for five years, but was a Cub Scout before that for four years.

"I love the friendships I’ve made, the outdoor adventures and the skills I’ve learned along the way. It’s also really rewarding to mentor younger scouts and help them develop their skills. As an assistant senior patrol leader, my duties include supporting the senior patrol leader in leading meetings and events, mentoring younger scouts and helping coordinate troop activities. I also step in to lead when the senior patrol leader is unavailable and ensure that everything runs smoothly," Heinbaugh told Patch.

For his Eagle Scout project, he removed and reinstalled a 11x40-foot concrete pad at the nonprofit Camp-Wo-Me-To. The original pad had a large crack that presented a safety hazard.

"Replacing it helped make the area safer and more usable for campers and staff. I chose this project because the camp provides a safe space for so many people, and I wanted to give it back by improving it. The cracked concrete pad was a safety risk, and by replacing it, I knew I could make a lasting impact, ensuring campers and staff could use the area without worry. This project helps the community by making the camp safer and more usable," Heinbaugh told Patch. "I’m really proud of my Eagle Scout project and the impact it’s had on the camp."

He recommended other kids join Scouts for many reasons.

"It’s a great way to build lasting friendships, learn valuable skills and create memories that will stick with you for life. It’s also a chance to challenge yourself and grow in ways you wouldn’t expect. You also learn how to give back to your community through service. Boy Scouts has taught me so many valuable life skills, like leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. It’s been an amazing experience that’s shaped who I am today, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned along the way," Heinbaugh said.