EAGLE SCOUT
My Scouting Career
In February 2014, I crossed over from Webelos into Troop 21 of East Goshen, PA, and have been a proud member of the troop ever since.
I have found scouting to be an extremely rewarding experience that has allowed me to learn new things outside of a traditional classroom, as well as give back to the community in many different ways.
I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in December 2019, and have since earned my Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms before my 18th birthday.
During my time in Troop 21, I have held leadership roles of Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Troop Librarian, and Webmaster. In 2017, I also designed the winning entry used to celebrate the 90th anniversary of our home summer camp, Horseshoe Scout Reservation.
Along the way, I earned the Freedom Trail Medal from the Spirit of Adventure Council in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as attended the SeaBase Coral Reef High Adventure at Islamorada, Florida.
My Eagle Scout Project
My project was to establish the Outdoor Science Center in Boot Road Park, which is located in West Whiteland Township, PA.
The Outdoor Science Center consists of three learning stations - one on Water in the Environment, one on Renewable Energy, and one that speaks to all the things in nature around us, in front of an 18' by 9' periodic table that was built along the park's walking path as part of the project as well.
18' x 9' Periodic Table as part of the Outdoor Science Center
Water in the Environment Learning Station
The project began with a tremendous amount of planning, and a presentation of the idea to the West Whiteland Board of Supervisors in April 2019. Upon their approval, I organized a fundraising campaign to raise the nearly $2,000 required to pay for the materials that would be used to build and install the science center.
As the summer progressed, I was very fortunate to receive assistance from a number of people. Friends and family helped to stencil and paint each of the 118 tiles of the periodic table. The West Whiteland Public Works Department helped prepare the site to install the tiles. Classmates and other scouts helped install the tiles at the site. Once the periodic table was completed, I then went on to complete the installation of the learning stations, including the posts, the sign frames, and then the signs themselves, which required approval of the township before final printing.
The Water in the Environment sign is located in front of a rain retention basin, and includes information about the township's efforts in Stormwater Management. The sign includes QR codes that residents can use to scan and reach websites where they can learn more about local and state efforts in this area. The Renewable Energy sign has a similar QR code, and reflects the township's partnership with other municipalities to shift towards renewable, environment friendly, energy sources by 2050.
The total project included 270 hours of community service, of which over 100 hours was time that I invested in the planning, approval, and execution of the project. As a result of my contributions, in addition to it being my Eagle Scout Project, through Chester County Council, I was proud to receive the Bronze level President's Volunteer Service Award in 2019 for my efforts with the township and the Outdoor Science Center.
The Community Courier of Downingtown / Exton was kind enough to write an article about the project and the effort that went into making it all become a reality - you can find it here.
Below is a series of pictures from the project - thanks to all who helped make the Outdoor Science Center a reality!
