ROCK SPRINGS — Finding an Eagle Scout project can be difficult at times, but for Boy Scout Troop 4 member Christian Klein all it took was a suggestion from his pastor. 

Rock Springs Evangelical Free Church Pastor Rich Carlson said when Klein asked if anyone had any ideas for an Eagle Scout project, the first thing he thought of was a shed to store coats, clothes, shoes, socks and other items those seeking assistance in Sweetwater County often need. 

That’s all it took. Soon, Klein was coming up with plans on how to construct a 12×12 shed on the church’s property at 125 Firestone Road in Rock Springs. 

“This project is for helping the Sweetwater County Travelers Assistance Program,” Pastor Carlson said. 

The Travelers Assistance Society of Sweetwater County (TASSC) provides some lodging, gas, food, bus tickets, and other goods for travelers who are in need. All of this is accomplished through the generous donations and support from community members.

Pastor Carlson said this shed will be a nice place for people to come out and try on jackets or coats and see which one is a good fit for them. Quite often, local police officers and hospital officials refer travelers in need to TASSC for help.

Pastor Carlson spoke highly of Klein saying he organized everything even while he was injured to complete the project. During the summer, Klein had to wear a boot from his foot up to his knee due to an injury. However, he didn’t let that get in the way of the project. 

“This guy here did quite a job,” Pastor Carlson said while pointing at Klein. 

The Project Process

Klein said he started planning the project back in May. The actual construct of the shed itself was completed in August. 

In June, Boy Scouts, church volunteers, family and friends gathered at the church to remove the sagebrush and other plants for the area where the shed was going to be located. At one point, they hooked a huge shrub up to a truck to pull it out of the ground. They also picked up scattered bricks and neatly piled them in another area. 

Once all of the shrubs, weeds and other plants were removed from the area, the volunteers went to work flattening and leveling the area where the concrete slab was going to be poured. A construction crew then came and poured the cement. With the slab poured, it was time to start constructing the shed.

“He had a lot of people help him,” Kimberly Klein, Christian’s mom said. 

Prior to constructing the floor and sides of the shed, the Scouts met and built the trusses off site. Klein tried to complete the project in phases. For example: one day they built the trusses and on another day they constructed the floor and the sides of the building.

Klein said after the walls were constructed, they put up the siding, added a door, and put up the trusses. Once the roof was in play, they put on the shingles and trim. On the last day of the project, the shed was painted. Later, a sign was placed on the shed explaining the project and thanking those who were involved.

According to Klein, the project took about six days to complete. However, it was not done all at once, but on days when volunteers were available.

As with any big project, lessons are learned.

“I learned that leadership is not always easy, but once you lead a project, you can look back and see what you learned,” Klein said.

Klein said he also learned it’s important to take time to plan a project correctly because proper planning will save time down the road.

Klein, who is a 10th grade homeschool student, has been a member of Troop 4 since 2017. Klein wanted to thank everyone for all of the donations and help in making this project a success.