Eagle Scout helps children in therapeutic riding program

Participants in a therapeutic riding program at the Helen Woodward Animal Center have new features to enjoy courtesy of a Rancho Bernardo Eagle Scout.

Benjamin Christopher Resko, a member of Troop 685, said his project consisted of building and painting “targets” with colored letters for children utilizing the center’s therapeutic riding arena. Another component was designing, building and staining a walking bridge for program participants to ride on with their horses.

“I have been volunteering at Helen Woodward Animal Center for almost two years and I wanted to do a project that would help with one of (its) programs for children with special needs,” Resko said.

His volunteer efforts with the Rancho Santa Fe-based center have included working with its Critter Camp program, he said.

The Boy Scout for the past nine years has earned 36 merit badges. He said other requirements to earn the Eagle rank — the highest honor available in Boy Scouts of America — included completing all aquatic achievements and a 50-mile hike.

“The Eagle Award is a culmination of years of dedication to Scouts and involvement in all aspects of Scouting,” Resko said. “I would like to thank my dad, (scout master) Mr. John McCutchen and Ms. Beverly Flynn for all their support throughout this process.”

He is the son of Rancho Bernardo residents John and Renee Resko and a freshman at Cathedral Catholic High School, where he said he has made the First Honor Roll and plays varsity water polo. Resko is also on the Del Mar Water Polo Club’s A Team.

Resko’s Court of Honor will be held this month at Monterey Ridge Elementary School in 4S Ranch.

As for Resko’s favorite Scouting memory, he said that was made during a Colorado River canoeing trip.

Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com