Matthew Lunsford Achieves Eagle Scout Status
By Julie Perine on January 05, 2024
A member of Bridgeport Boy Scout Troop #40, Matthew Lunsford has achieved Eagle Scout status, the highest rank in scouting. He is the son of David and Teresa Lunsford of Bridgeport.
The accomplishment was celebrated Dec. 10, 2023, at All Saints Catholic Church. Lunsford was joined by fellow Scout members, family, and friends to note his accomplishment with the Mountaineer Area Council.
For his Eagle Scout project, Lunsford built a picnic table, hatchet target, and two archery targets with stalls all which are located on Bridgeport City Trail, near the Virginia Avenue trailhead. Lunsford said he was proud to implement a project that benefits the city and is thankful to all the leaders who helped him achieve the honor of Eagle Scout.
A junior at Bridgeport High School, Lunsford was inspired by family to join scouting and achieve Eagle Scout status.
“My dad was in Scouts, as well, and he introduced me to it when I was five years old. Once I found out about Eagle Scout, I always wanted to be an Eagle,” he said. “When my brother Zach got Eagle last year, that also inspired me to obtain it.”
He shared how he decided upon and carried out his project.
“I was taking a walk (on the trail) and saw that the two archery targets were in bad shape, so I had the idea of rebuilding them and adding a picnic table and hatchet target,” he said. “I had a meeting with (Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director) Joe Shuttleworth and got his approval. I then set up a Go Fund Me account to raise money for the project.”
His initial goal was $500.
“I woke up the next morning and was blown away that the goal had not only been met, but surpassed,” he said.
After purchasing lumber and other materials, Lunsford, his dad, and grandfather constructed the picnic table and targets.
The elements were added to the trail on July 8, 2023.
“I’m extremely proud of it,” Lunsford said. “I know it’s being used, and people have commented about the quality and that it was made to last.”
Lunsford said his favorite Scouting memory is hiking up to Eagle Rock, the highest point that overlooks Camp Mahonegon; an experience he encountered after crossing over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.
He highly recommends Scouting.
“I love being outdoors and I have always loved camping, so it was easy for me to fall in love with it,” he said. “Even if being outdoors isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of other things to do.”
Lunsford said that Boy Scouts has taught Lunsford about life skills and what it means to be a leader.
“I encourage everyone to at least give it a shot,” he said.
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