Jack Krautkramer flips a switch causing his table saw to jump to life, carefully he guides a piece of wood through the saw. Smiling ear to ear, he takes a minute to step back and admire his work.  The 12th grade student from NHS is now one step closer to completing his Eagle Scout project for Boy Scouts.

Jack volunteers numerous hours of fund-raising, labor and leadership in order to complete 23 wooden bird watching signs for Mosquito Hill Nature Center in New London, Wis. He says that the process involves plenty of e-mails and coordination with the workers at Mosquito Hill as well as the members of his troop.

Although it’s an incredibly large task, Jack still chooses to work toward his Eagle Scout rank. One of the many requirements is to collaborate with his fellow scouts, which is something Jack finds enjoyable.

“It is very rewarding to lead the younger scouts because I get to meet new people, and learn what it means to be a good person.”

Krautkramer takes part in many activities with his peers from Troop 81, including hiking, climbing, hammocking, cooking, and exploring the woodlands of Wisconsin like frontiersmen had many years ago. Approaching his 7th year of Scouts, Jack reflects back on all of the skills that he’s learned from his journey toward becoming an Eagle Scout that help him stand out from the pack.

“I’ve learned how to care for myself and be a leader with others, while helping younger kids develop into respectable men.”

Overall, Jack Krautkramer’s involvement in Boy Scouts is helping him make a positive impact on himself, his troop and his community.