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Fort Walton Beach High School freshman leads construction of archery range for Eagle Scout project

Fort Walton Beach High School freshman Chandler Buckthal led construction of a regulation archery range, raising nearly $7,000 in donated supplies for his Eagle Scout project.

Ashley Ward

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Fort Walton Beach High School freshman Chandler Buckthal has completed a major step toward earning Eagle Scout by leading the construction of a fully equipped archery range at his school.

Buckthal, a member of Scouts BSA Troop 529, selected the project after recognizing a need to upgrade the school’s archery range. With help from volunteers and local businesses, he designed and built a 50-by-60-foot range that meets official National Archery in the Schools Program standards.

“Chandler saw a need and turned it into an opportunity to serve his school community,” said Lindsey Smith, Fort Walton Beach High School principal. “His work on the new archery range will leave a lasting impact on Fort Walton Beach High School for years to come. This project embodies the spirit of initiative and community pride that we strive to instill in every Viking.”

The construction process involved leveling the field, framing it and filling it with gravel. Workers installed target, 10-meter and 15-meter shooting lines, built benches for archers and mounted a cable-and-pole system to hang the arrow-catching curtain.

The project required 388 hours of work and nearly $7,000 worth of donated supplies.

“He fundraised completely for the entire project — went around to businesses and got sponsorships. It’s been a beast, but it looks good,” said Tiffany Buckthal, his mother. “I think the biggest thing for Chandler is that he persevered. He didn’t give up.”

The range will serve the school’s archery classes, competitive team and JROTC program. With level ground and proper target distances, the teams can now practice under tournament conditions.

Information about joining Scouts BSA is available at beascout.scouting.org.

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