By Jessica Price
On a hot July day, a group of teenage boys could be seen up and down High Street in Waynesburg: outside of the borough police station, across the street from Don Patron’s and near Fischer’s Antiques. They were wearing reflective vests and carrying a variety of tools. The boys were members and family members of Boy Scout Troop 1280, led by Paul Adams. The group was working on Paul’s final Eagle Scout project – installing benches for the community to enjoy.
Paul is a 16-year-old teenager from Sycamore and a member of Boy Scout Troop 1280.The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. Their goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self- reliance through outdoor activities, educational programs, and partnerships with community organizations.
As an Eagle Scout, Paul is required to plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project that is helpful to his community. The project must benefit an institution other than Boy Scouts. Scouts are encouraged to think of an idea that would really assist with a need in the community. The requirements for Eagle Scout projects are broad; the scout can complete almost any project that they come up with, as long as it helps the community. Once the Scout has an idea, a written proposal needs to be approved by the benefitting organization, as well as the unit leader.
Paul came up with his idea in December, inspired by his family’s experience at the annual Christmas parade. His family forgot to bring chairs and had to stand on the sidewalk to view the lengthy parade. His mother mentioned to him that with all of the parades and events on High Street there should be seating available. This gave Paul the idea to add benches, and he got to work. He worked with the borough to get permission, attending a meeting in January.
Next, he negotiated a price with Lowes – $400 dollars a bench. To fund the project, Paul sought out sponsorships from First Federal Bank, the Waynesburg VFW Post, Fischer Antiques, and Taylor Miller of Waynesburg. His goal was to have them completely installed by Rain Day, when his troop would be camping out all night serving as rain watchers.
On July 21, just eight days before Rain Day, with temperatures reaching 91 degrees, Paul and his fellow troop members got to work. They installed each bench along High Street, including a plaque on each one recognizing the troop and their sponsors. Paul feels very proud of his work on this project. He explains, “When I ride on the bus to go home, I get to see every single one of them. During Rain Day and other events, I’ll get to sit down on one of them and say, ‘I built this.’ I’ll have the satisfaction of knowing I put a lasting mark on this community.”
