The Story Behind My Project

Deciding and Planning

Each Boy Scout must complete an Eagle Project in order to earn their Eagle Rank (along with many other requirments). Eagle Scout can only be earned before a Scout turns 18, my birthday is in August and when I planned to start it was coming around to the end of March in my Junior year in High School and I was almsot 18. I had started to think about my Eagle Project and talked to the Reverand at my church a couple times about it. He had suggested that someone cleaned up the blocked trail behind the church. The town had recently build a community area but there wasn't much parking. The church was close and has room for cars so it was suggested that we revived the trail that led to the town common area. It was also suggeted that an area was built for the church or trail hikers to rest and releax at, after talking with my Reverend we came up with the plan to add three outdoor benches and a concrete fire pit. Unfortunatly that weekend I shattered my ankle at a soccer tournament. This hurt me because at a very stressfull and important part of my life I know I would need surgery and be injured. I had AP tests coming up, Junior year grades were important and my biggest problem was that I would now not be able to work as hard on my Eagle Project (or so I thought). Most of the work on my Eagle Project's paperwork and planning would be done on the futon in my room. After having surgery on my ankle I couldn't bring my ankle below my waist without having strong pains in my leg. I had a laptop in my room and was forced to spend the next three weeks there. I learned about the importance of organization and planning. I reached out to Lowe's to see if I could get a discount for supplies. I needed a timeline to make sure I was on track to finish my project before the deadline. Also my least favorite part, writting saftey documentation. Once I was able to walk on crutches and met wtih someone in littleton, to have my project approve by the board for the Boy Scouts of America. Once it was approved it was time to starting working.

Working on the Project

This was the part I was most worried about. As the senior patrol leader of my troop I'd had leadership experience before. The difference now was that I would only be telling people what to do and would not be able to help on much of the project myself. This was a new experience for me and something I had to be ready to overcome if I wanted to finish this project on time. When I hosted my first work party I was nervous that not many people would show up because of the heat (and becuase people knew I wouldn't able to help a lot). Fortunatly people saw my situation and took it as another reason to help out! I had built a good reputation and good relationships through scouts and my friends and fellow scouts showed up to my work parties. We started my clearning the opening and making a new one. A scout in my troop had the idea to line rocks along the entrance as we moved them and I liked it so we made sure to do that. Over the next few work parties we would clear branches, small trees, shrubs and leaves from the trail in order to make it more evident and inviting. The biggest section of the project was the resting area. We would have to level the ground for three benches and a firepit. Anyone that lives in New England knows how rocky the area is. By this time I was off of my crutches and in a boot but my arm was in a caste, from breaking my hand the week before, mabye I wasn't getting enough milk that year. Scouts and friends were able to help me clear rocks and level the ground, so the benches my dad and I had built from Lowe's could be put in, along with the firepit. The last step was connecting with the Bolton Trails Committee. They gave me a QR code and a custom made sign to put at the head of the trail. They also walked the trail with me and we put up some markers at intersections.

What I learned

By completeing this project I'd gained more than my Eagle Rank and something to put on my resume. I'd learned important leadership skills, having the confidence to ask others for help and tell others what to do. I'd overcome an large obsticale with perseverance and support. I'd given back to my community adn created something that should last beyond my life. I'd learned to importance of organization and to always have a next step. Most importantly I'd learned to turn an obsticale from a something that is a burden to something that creates motivation.