Kelvin Hamm Photo
Ethan Ham gets congratulations from Lake Robinson game warden for a job well done
Kelvin Hamm Photo
Ethan Ham's management skills were tested with family and friends contributing resources.
Kelvin Ham Photo
The beginning of the Carolina Fence project illustrated the work involved.
Ham completed his Eagle Scout project last month by building a Carolina Fence at Lake Robinson. After a review before the Eagle Board for scout certification, Ham will have nearly four years to earn additional recognition through Eagle Palms or Venture programs. Eagle is the highest rank for scouts.
“I kind of wish I had waited a little longer,” said Ham, a freshman at Blue Ridge High School.
Eagle projects require the scout to plan, organize, lead and manage. “I managed seven people, including mom and dad,” siad Ham. “I learned it was a lot harder managing kids. But it was fun managing (parents).”
The Carolina Fence has cultural and natural elements. The split rail fence is the primary structure with Carolina Jessamine vines, a wren house mounted on a fence post and blue granite required.
“We didn’t have a specific blueprint but we had a cardboard with cutout pictures for the design,” said Ham.
Resources used in the project were obtained by Ham getting contributions from Lowe’s, Friends of Lake Robinson and Greer CPW among others. Left over resources were contributed back to the community. Ham said a soaker hose was given to the Lake Robinson board.
Ham said the project, “had a lot of surprises. But it turned out a lot better than I imagined.”
Ham will have a table with literature explaining his project at the annual Friends of Lake Robinson Day, Sunday, Oct. 12 1-6 p.m.