Planning and executing an Eagle Scout service project is one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding, steps on the trail to Eagle.
Reaching the summit of the Eagle rank is no easy task. Only a small portion of those who go through the Scouting program reach this milestone. Hard work, discipline, and living by the Scout Oath and Law all help along the way. The Eagle Scout service project requires Scouts to demonstrate their leadership skills and utilize the many lessons of Scouting. While all projects benefit the community in some way, some leave such an impact that they create headlines.
Troy Neubecker of Tisquantum Lodge of Old Colony Council, which oversees part of eastern Massachusetts, wanted to make his project special. After thinking about it for a while, Neubecker decided on a very ambitious project: he was going to create a memorial to commemorate those who perished in the 9/11 attacks. The project, officially placed in Wrentham, Ma., appealed to Neubecker because he wanted something permanent. However, the road was long and the path was not easy. His first step in this, as with many projects, was funding. The memorial was going to cost upwards of $20,000, and Neubecker knew this would not be simple. "I raised the money through fundraisers like a hot dog stand, a movie night, and even a Zumba-thon," said Neubecker. I also wrote numerous letters to the citizens of Wrentham asking for donations and sponsorships.
Neubecker's hard work paid off. The dedication for the Wrentham memorial was held on September 11 of this year. In the end, Neubecker amassed around $22,000 for the project and received a variety of donations and sponsorships to make the project a reality. A Brotherhood member, Neubecker attributes some of his determination to his involvement in the OA.
"I'm not sure that I would have chosen a project so big without the OA teaching me the importance of serving my community. It has guided me in how to simply do things out of the kindness of my heart," said Neubecker.