Dylan Armstrong isn’t your typical teenager – and your typical teenager isn’t as industrious or generous as Dylan Armstrong is.

The 17-year old senior at Southeast Lauderdale High School spent Saturday morning at the school supervising a crew of fellow Boy Scouts from Troop 70. Their mission: to construct two large raised garden beds, fill the beds with soil and plant a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs.

The project was Armstrong’s idea and fulfilled the requirements for his Eagle Scout badge, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America.

Leadership is a big part of the Eagle Scout process, and the young man appears to relish his role as crew leader.

Armstrong, who has Spina Bifida, maneuvers his wheelchair between his colleagues, handing out supplies and giving orders.

“He’s the cornerstone of the unit,” says Troopmaster Rodney Forbis. “He inspires everyone he comes in contact with, and he’s an asset for anything he’s involved in.”

For Armstrong, scouting has been a way to prove he’s just as capable as the next guy.

“I like that people can learn to trust you when they get to know you and you work together as a team,” he said.

The produce grown in the garden — blueberries, okra, peppers and various herbs – will benefit the school’s students with special needs, who will use it in cooking classes.

“I knew they’re taught how to cook, but they’re not taught how to raise and grow their own food,” Armstrong says. “I thought it would be a good idea.”

Completing the project was a long process that took several months. Armstrong had to plan and procure supplies prior to Saturday’s work day.

“It’s gone way better than I thought it would,” he says, smiling and glancing at the busy work crew. “I was worried the whole way.”