Adam Harris
Sierra Service Project Partner
Six and a half years ago, Eagle Scout Troop 447 was re-formed in Natomas, CA, out of the ashes of a former troop that had left behind a shed full of equipment. Natomas Baptist Church not only held onto the gear in the shed, they continue to allow us to store our equipment on their property. My scout troop has done extremely little to give back to the church and its congregation, but my Eagle Scout service project allowed myself and my scout units to give back in an extraordinary way.
I began the process of selecting a project by asking Pastor Tom at Natomas Baptist what the church was looking for. The church had been trying to put in a community garden for many years, so that was the first idea that came up in discussion. During the past month and a half, Sierra Service Project, Boy Scout Troop 447, and Venturing Crew 580 have put in nine 12′ by 12′ garden plots.
“My Eagle Scout service project allowed myself and my scout units to give back in an extraordinary way…working with Sierra Service Project to complete [this project] has been an amazing experience since the beginning.”
In order to complete the project, I had to make partnerships to make progress. Working with Sierra Service Project to complete my Eagle Scout service project has been an amazing experience since the beginning. The people involved with this organization have been extremely helpful, not to mention vital to the success of the project.
Bob Elam, SSP’s Project Consultant, helped me get tools on loan to work on my project, and personally delivered three wheelbarrows, multiple drills, and so much more to the site before work began on February 11th. Megan Walsh, SSP’s Director of Programs, sent a team of weekend volunteers out on February 18th and 19th, all of whom had fantastic work ethic and got a lot of work done on site. Mrs. Walsh also assisted me in recovering a missing tool that had accidentally been misplaced.
The partnership I have formed with SSP has been one of the most important to complete this project. I am impressed at the willingness of Californians to serve others through programs such as SSP, and I want to spread the word about SSP to my classmates, fellow scouts and my family.
Editor’s Note: Adam partnered with SSP youth and adult volunteers during our Sacramento Weekend of Service in February. We are always thrilled to work with young leaders such as Adam to effect positive change in local communities. To be part of the transformative work SSP does, volunteer through our summer program at one of five locations throughout the Western United States, either as a group or individual youth!