Whether you grew up watching an older sibling become an Eagle Scout or are in the program now, a final project may be what is between you and this prestigious honor and rank.
Once you decide on exactly what you plan to do for your final project, which is a difficult challenge in itself, knowing where to get the supplies necessary to construct it is another factor.
Batchelder & Collins has two different locations and plenty of variety when it comes to hardscape supplies that can aid in the construction of your project. Stop by one of our stores or give us a call at 757-625-2506 to see what supplies we currently have in stock.
What is an Eagle Scout?
Eagle Scout is a rank and the highest achievement in the Scouts BSA program. Those who complete this rank have accomplished and learned all that the Scouts should learn. They have met all of the Eagle Scout requirements, navigated through numerous challenges to demonstrate leadership, and, at the end of the process, completed a service project that provides a way for the Scout to give back to the community.
To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, each person must work through a series of steps, earning merit badges along the way. They must hold various other ranks for a set number of months before progressing and moving to the rank of Life Scout. Scouts complete at least 21 merit badges or specific recognitions for learning and demonstrating specific skills. This culminates with the completion of an Eagle Scout project, which they may design, develop, and implement themselves.
Scouts do this prior to their 18th birthday, demonstrating their ability and willingness to be leaders within the community (Scouts with special needs may have a bit longer). This achievement has long been an important milestone within the Boy Scouts of America (Scouts BSA program).
Why Does the Final Service Project Matter
Throughout the development of a Scout, he or she will work through numerous steps to build skills and demonstrate leadership. It is not just about completing a project but finding a need within the community, fundraising to pay for the materials and work to be done, and then making it happen. There are numerous steps involved, from the project proposal to the Scoutmaster and Scout Board to the project planning and, eventually, the project report that sums up everything learned and achieved. They must also align with fellow Scouts and lead the project from start to finish.
An Eagle Scout candidate must then stand before the Eagle Board of Review and communicate why they chose what to do and how they helped the community. Earning this rank within a Scout troop takes effort and demonstrates valuable leadership skills.
Supplies for Your Final Eagle Scout Project
Eagle Scouts have the ability to find their own project to tackle, and in doing so, must research the entire process. Eagle Scout project ideas may include:
- Completing a project in a local park
- Providing a service to a local school
- Developing an outreach program to support a food pantry
- Tackling landscaping or home repair needs for someone in the community that needs help
- Building something to sell in order to raise money for a cause
By working through the Eagle Scout service project workbook, most Scouts will come up with some ideas. However, an adult leader may also connect the Scout with local nonprofits and community organizations to find out if there are any tasks or needs noted in the community. The Eagle candidate must still develop the project, but this enables them to do something specifically necessary within the community.
Eagle Scout projects may include:
- Remodeling
- Construction
- Conservation work
- Or other projects
The materials needed for any project will be very specific to the task. They may include landscaping materials, wood or building materials, finishing features such as mulch and landscaping décor, and foundational materials like hardscape elements.
Eagle Scout Project Ideas
Consider some of the best projects Eagle Scouts have taken on in the past.
- Park benches: Building a small foundation with pavers and brick, Scouts can then construction a bench for a local park.
- Retaining walls: Consider building an erosion-control retaining wall to support conservation efforts in a local park or school playground.
- Dog park features: Building obstacles and walls to create a local dog park could offer a nice feature for the community.
- Lay a patio with picnic tables: Perhaps in a local community where seniors live or near a school, create an area with picnic tables to encourage people to spend time outdoors.
- Brick pathways: Installing brick pathways can improve accessibility to parks and wooded areas. You can incorporate them into hiking trails in a local area or in the woods near the local high school.
- Incorporate an outdoor amphitheater into a school’s landscaping: This could encourage the local community to come together.
- Build an outdoor classroom: To encourage nature studies, use pavers and hardscape materials to create an open-air outdoor classroom outside the local elementary school.
- Help a local animal shelter: Build an outdoor run area for an animal shelter or shelving for food donations.
Project Supplies
Now that you have an idea of what type of project you want to complete to reach the Eagle rank, you’ll need more than just good luck. You need access to supplies.
At Batchelder & Collins, you can find the hardscaping materials you need. This includes:
- Natural stones
- Various types and styles of brick
- Masonry materials
- Pavers to create pathways
- Wall systems
Call our visit our location in person to see how our store associates can help you find the materials you need to start work on your Eagle Scout service project.
Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins
Since 1868, Batchelder & Collins has worked to meet the needs of the community, providing high-quality materials at competitive prices. By providing a steady supply of materials for just about any project, Eagle Scouts can easily find the support they need here.
Testimonials
“This place is awesome. They’ve been around for a very long time. And there is always great service. A good place to go if you need to get quality materials.” – Brett M.
Additional Resources
- How Do You Repair Loose Bricks? Working on a project that requires brick repair? Here’s exactly what you need to do.
- Different Types of Retaining Walls and Their Purposes: Before you build a retaining wall, learn more about which type of retaining wall is best for your specific project. Get the guidance you need before you buy.
- Step-by-Step Guide to Brick Steps Repair: If your project involves brick step repair, this guide explains exactly how to do it. Contact us for the materials you need.
Get the Supplies You Need for Your Service Project
At Batchelder & Collins, our hardscape design and supply solutions for projects like yours are readily available. Take the time now to give us a call at our Norfolk location at 757-625-2506, at our Williamsburg location at (757) 220-2806, or fill out our online contact form. We would love to hear about your Eagle Scout project ideas.
