Lincoln Lam of Vicksburg’s Troop 251 had his sights on becoming an Eagle Scout since being a Cub Scout in the first grade.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in Scouting America, formerly Boy Scouts of America. To attain the rank, a scout must earn 21 merit badges, demonstrate leadership skills and complete a significant service project. The project is submitted for approval to a small board at the regional/district level for review. This is the same board that will eventually review Lincoln’s promotion to Eagle Scout.
Lincoln’s dad, Steve Lam, says, “When the Vicksburg Farmer’s Market approached the troop about doing the project, I was secretly hoping Lincoln would take on the project. I was thrilled when he chose to do so.” The project will entail replacing a deteriorating sign at the Historic Village Pavilion, and the building of a transportable donation box with changeable messaging capabilities. The Farmers’ Market is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations for continued operations and improvements.
Lincoln is working with Trevor Young, an Eagle Scout of KalBlue Group in Portage, on the design and printing of the sign. It will be up to Lincoln to facilitate all aspects of this project and to recruit and supervise the volunteer scouts that will do the installation of the sign and assembly of the donation box.
Only 4 percent of youth in scouting since 1911 have attained the rank of Eagle Scout. To date, 2.75 million youth have attained the rank and contributed service projects to their communities. Being awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in 2026 will come with a special limited-edition certificate commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Vicksburg Farmers’ Market is in operation at the Vicksburg Pavilion located in the Historic Village from 2-6 p.m. on Fridays during the summer season. Learn more at vicksburgfarmersmarket.com.
