STANDISH, Maine — Finding an outdoor hobby that meets the needs of disabilities can be a challenge, especially during the winter months.
With that in mind, a Boy Scout finally completed an ice shelter project more than two years in the making to help disabled veterans have access to ice fishing, so they can also safely enjoy Maine winters, too.
"I'm glad that it's done, and I can share it with the community, and the people that need it most," 17-year-old Life Scout Xavier Freebairn-Lopes in Troop 874 in Standish said.
He said the shack meets the Americans with Disabilities Act standards and can fit up to five people total, with two spots accessible for wheelchairs.
"This is well above and beyond what I could've imagined he [Xavier] came up with. He's thought of everything," Kirsten Swanson Hoyt, a disabled veteran, said. She has monoplegia paralyzing one of her legs.
She said it can be difficult to fully enjoy the winters outdoors because of her health restrictions, but this project gives her hope that more veterans will be able to get out of the house and socialize.
"This is going to open a lot of doors for a lot more people, and I'm really excited to share this with them now," she said.
Xavier is donating the shelter to the nonprofit Operation Ray of Light which provides community connections and resources for veterans. The shelter will make its rounds to different lakes across Maine when the organization holds ice fishing tournaments and gatherings.
"This building that Xavier donated today just gives them an ability to get out and be comfortable," district Game Warden Peter Herring said. "These guys are going to sit in there, drink coffee, tell war stories, and have a great and enjoyable day out on the lake."
Xavier is currently a Life Scout but completed this project in hopes of earning the Eagle Scout badge, which is the highest rank of all the scouts. He's spent the past 2.5 years building the shack in his backyard.
"He's grown so much from being able to do this. From a proud dad, I love to see him actually grow up and put something together so significant like this. And today it's done," Greg Johnson, Xavier's dad and a marine veteran, said.