In an article for DL-Online, Vicki Gerdes tells the story of Detroit Lakes High School senior Cody Christen’s dedication to designing and building a new picnic shelter for Ecumen Detroit Lakes in order to earn his rank of Eagle Scout. With the help of his fellow Scouts, family and friends, Christen completed the project in roughly 143 hours.

“The residents at Ecumen Detroit Lakes' long term care, transitional care and senior housing facilities now have a new place to enjoy an afternoon picnic, or just relax and soak up the summer warmth,” wrote Gerdes.

"It was a fun project," said Christen.

"We always have fun," said his proud dad, Mark Christen, adding, "It turned out beautiful."