By VICKI BROWN
Noah Givens of Troop 646 is now an Eagle Scout. To get there, Givens took his love for raptors to new heights, building an entire new outdoor area at a Colleton County non-profit.
On May 15, Givens received his Eagle award at a private ceremony, held in the Lowcountry Raptors amphitheater that he built as part of his Eagle project. A project is required in order for a Boy Scout to obtain the Eagle rank, which is the highest honor that a Boy Scout can receive.
Fascinated by raptors, Givens had met Lila Arnold, who directs Lowcountry Raptors, a 501(c)(3) program in Ruffin that fosters a connection between people and birds of prey through public education. The program’s goal is to help the humans learn to value, understand, and honor wildlife while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry.
Part of that heritage are the raptors that she shows at presentations in schools and other events.
With Lowcountry Raptors being located in Ruffin, the organization had no local spot for its community presentations. To give presentations on the birds, Arnold said she would always have to travel with the birds, and that is stressful for the birds of prey.
Givens wanted to help Arnold and asked what he could do. She suggested a raptor amphitheater where presentations could be held showing off her raptors.
Givens then began working with Arnold on a master plan. After putting in 170 hours, he had created an amphitheater, an outdoor fire pit and burn barrel, and he had recorded every detail of construction. With all finished, Givens then earned his Eagle ranking.
According to Givens, he already has three Eagle Palms: gold, silver and bronze. He also serves as Jr. Scout Master, and Givens said he plans on continuing in scouts as long as he can.
Noah Givens is the son of Joseph Givens and Denise Godley-Givens and is the grandson of Travis Godley and Linda Godley.
