Project that benefits dialysis patients earns East Meck HS student rank of Eagle Scout

Lee Jay Campbell has been scouting for over a decade since he was 6 years old. On Saturday, he achieved Eagle Scout, which is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program.

“Lee has had a great journey in scouting,” Ted Pearson, Boy Scout Troop 25 scoutmaster said. “He exemplifies all the qualities of a good scout.”

Only 4 percent of Scouts have earned the Eagle Scout rank after a lengthy review process.

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership. Campbell also had to complete an extensive service project that he planned, organized, lead and managed.

For his service project, he created picnic tables for DaVita North Charlotte Dialysis Center where one of the scout masters receives his dialysis treatments.

Because Campbell’s parents are both work in the health care field, he wanted his project to benefit people who may be waiting on family members in treatment and give patients a place to relax.

“Scouting has allowed (Campbell) to learn life skills that he’ll be able to use the rest of his life,” Pearson said. “Mostly, his commitment to our community, nation and world.”

The induction ceremony was held at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, and he was surrounded by his fellow scouts and family.

“It was probably the most rewarding moment for us as parents,” said Sabrina Campbell, Lee’s mother. “For our child to complete such a huge task and to see his hard work, it was overwhelming.”

Campbell’s mother said that her son is a born leader and that scouting has shown him a positive path that will be part of his future.

“Lee is the sweetest, most humble, modest child that I know, and I love him dearly,” Campbell said. “I wouldn’t want him to change anything about himself for the world.”

Campbell is a junior at East Mecklenburg High School.

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