Teen asks for help in gathering 10 bikes for scout project

Kieauneau Brown, 13, loves mountain biking and participating in Boy Scout activities and has found a way to meld the two in a away he hopes also will benefit the community. 

Brown is collecting used bicycles as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. He plans to refurbish the bikes, get them into running condition and then donate them to a Missoula charity that provides the bikes for free to underprivileged students. 

“We love to mess around with bikes and stuff,” Brown said.

He is a pretty good bike mechanic for a teenager, according to his dad, Cody. Brown plans to lead an assembly line of friends and family who have more repair skills than he does and get the job done.

“We have some friends who are really good at putting bikes together,” Brown said.  

The Eagle Scout Service Project requires a leadership and community service element. The project is required to achieve the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America program. 

Prior to completing the project, Scouts are required to earn a total of 21 merit badges, including badges for first aid, citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the world, communication, cooking, personal fitness,  emergency preparedness, lifesaving, environmental science/sustainability, personal management, swimming, hiking, or cycling, camping and family life.

Additionally, those who reach the rank of Eagle Scout have to serve six months in a leadership position within the troop. By that time Eagle Scout candidates have demonstrated that they can tie a knot, understand the concept of a patrol, know the Outdoor Code, can fuse the ends of a rope, know the Pledge of Allegiance and safely use a pocket knife. 

Brown will collect old, unwanted bikes until July 16. Drop-off locations are at Les Schwab and Polson Outdoor Equipment Rentals. Brown hopes he can refurbish at least 10 bikes for the project. 

Anyone with questions can contact Cody Brown at 261-5847.