Eagle Scout Liam Ewing Enhances Twin Rivers YMCA with New Pavilion

The Twin Rivers YMCA in New Bern recently recognized Liam Ewing for successfully completing his Eagle Scout Service Project, which involved the construction of a new shade structure on their campus. Ewing, a sophomore at Epiphany School of Global Studies, led a team of 14 volunteers who contributed a total of 228 hours to build the pavilion near the playground.

Ewing dedicated this project to his late grandfather, Dobert Owsley, who instilled in him a passion for scouting alongside his father, Ryan Ewing. “My dad and grandfather both got their Eagles, and I was inspired by both of them,” Ewing stated. He described scouting as a significant part of his life, highlighting his commitment to the values of leadership and service that scouting promotes.

Community Impact and Personal Growth

As a member of Troop 13, Ewing is currently working towards achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, which requires scouts to undertake a community service project that demonstrates leadership. He chose the Twin Rivers YMCA for his project due to his long-standing connection with the facility, where he regularly swims and trains. “Twin Rivers YMCA is a very meaningful part of my life and my daily routine,” Ewing explained. “When I’m not swimming for Epiphany School, I’m at practice with the YMCA team or in the gym.”

Ewing’s project involved updating plans for shade structures that were originally constructed by Troop 13 decades earlier. Before beginning construction, he secured the necessary building permits and ordered materials. The project presented challenges, particularly during the building inspection process. Ewing and his team also had to navigate issues such as the slope of the ground and selecting appropriate materials for the pavilion’s base.

Despite these obstacles, Ewing relied on the guidance from his scout leaders and his fellow volunteers to overcome the difficulties. “It’s inspiring to see young leaders like Liam take action to make a difference right here at home,” said Gregg Dobert, property director for the Eastern Carolina YMCA. “His project enhances our playground area and reflects the spirit of community and service that the Y strives to nurture every day.”

Reflections on Leadership and Future Plans

For Ewing, the most gratifying aspect of the project was witnessing the completed structure and the impact it would have on families visiting the YMCA. “It was amazing to see the structure finally built and realize how much we accomplished,” he remarked. He hopes the pavilion will provide a shaded retreat for families during hot summer days.

Throughout this experience, Ewing learned valuable lessons about leadership. He recognized that effective leaders must invest effort into organizing projects and addressing challenges. Looking ahead, Ewing plans to continue his involvement in scouting through his troop and the Sea Scouts program. He is also preparing to attend the 2026 National Scouting Jamboree, furthering his commitment to the scouting community.