Eagle Project opinions, please

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.

A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady

The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.

Hugh

[Charon52]

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.
Hugh

The only caveat I'd have is watching and questioning about any
relationship between Scout and recipient, other than possibly members of
the same religious org.

Vic
Eagle '70

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

On Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:39:15 -0500, Charon52

Post by Charon52

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.
Hugh

The only caveat I'd have is watching and questioning about any
relationship between Scout and recipient, other than possibly members of
the same religious org.
Vic
Eagle '70

The lady is a member of the church that sponsors the troop but is not
related to the Scout.

Thank you,

Hugh
Eagle '43

[M_CET]

I would feel better if the church had these projects lined up in its
ministry and the Eagle candidate organized a multi task force effort
so to speak to demonstrate his grasp of the macro
world...demonstrating that his isnt just a one trick pony

but having said that the scout, his scoutmaster, his troop committee
and the council/district advancement poohbahs and the benefactor will
be pleased within the sensibilities of local values...once all the
adults have anointed the effort

all scouting is local

MCCET
OMTNPO
OWL

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
On Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:39:15 -0500, Charon52

Post by Charon52

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.
Hugh

I would feel more assured if the Church had a ministry of such
projects and the Eagle Scout candidtate fulfilled >

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan

Post by Charon52
The only caveat I'd have is watching and questioning about any
relationship between Scout and recipient, other than possibly members of
the same religious org.
Vic
Eagle '70

The lady is a member of the church that sponsors the troop but is not
related to the Scout.
Thank you,
Hugh
Eagle '43

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

Post by M_CET
I would feel better if the church had these projects lined up in its
ministry and the Eagle candidate organized a multi task force effort
so to speak to demonstrate his grasp of the macro
world...demonstrating that his isnt just a one trick pony
but having said that the scout, his scoutmaster, his troop committee
and the council/district advancement poohbahs and the benefactor will
be pleased within the sensibilities of local values...once all the
adults have anointed the effort
all scouting is local
MCCET
OMTNPO
OWL

I know the SM and the Scout has to make the presentation to the entire
group. The troop has been organized for about 25 years and I have
chaired the board for every one of their Eagles - more than 20.

Thanks,

Hugh

[Stan]

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.

From my years as a Troop Eagle Advisor-

1. The receipient organization should be the church, and not the
individual member. The church is providing the ramp for the member.

2. An Eagle project is supposed to involve a "significant effort".
How much of an effort with this be? If it's "not really", then how
about having the boy also produce some sort of "helping the
handicapped" display or program, such as a display which will be up
for a few weeks in the lobby of the church and/or his public school.

I had a boy who wanted to paint drains with blue fish to show the
water goes unfiltered to the local river do this. I had him produce
an environment display for his school and the library because I didn't
feel that painting would show leadership.

3. Are there any legal impediments. My mother-in-law's condo in
Sunrise, FL made her remove a wheel chair ramp (there was a 3" step
from the street to her apartment) because it "blocked" the walkway to
other units on her level in her section.

4. How will the boy show leadership? It seems to me that
construction can be a one-person effort. Make sure he specifies work
that others will do.

Hope this helps.

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

Post by Stan

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.

From my years as a Troop Eagle Advisor-
1. The receipient organization should be the church, and not the
individual member. The church is providing the ramp for the member.

The woman approached the church to see if it could be done. I prefer
that the Scout contact building supply places for donations. It gives
the scout practice in getting people involved. It also lets the
community know about Scouting's good works.

Post by Stan
2. An Eagle project is supposed to involve a "significant effort".
How much of an effort with this be? If it's "not really", then how
about having the boy also produce some sort of "helping the
handicapped" display or program, such as a display which will be up
for a few weeks in the lobby of the church and/or his public school.

The boy will have to secure donations, he will have to discuss
building plans with carpenters and helpers. Extreme Makeover was in
town last week filming a show - this will be a good parallel to see
what can be done locally.

Post by Stan
I had a boy who wanted to paint drains with blue fish to show the
water goes unfiltered to the local river do this. I had him produce
an environment display for his school and the library because I didn't
feel that painting would show leadership.
3. Are there any legal impediments. My mother-in-law's condo in
Sunrise, FL made her remove a wheel chair ramp (there was a 3" step
from the street to her apartment) because it "blocked" the walkway to
other units on her level in her section.

This is a house in a residential area.

Post by Stan
4. How will the boy show leadership? It seems to me that
construction can be a one-person effort. Make sure he specifies work
that others will do.

That is always one of my qualifiers - he must lead others in
completing the project. The area would need to be prepared and not by
the professional(s). I would not accept him securing one carpenter to
do all the work. He needs to assign tasks.

Post by Stan
Hope this helps.

Thanks, Stan,

Hugh

[Stan]

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan

Post by Stan
From my years as a Troop Eagle Advisor-
1.  The receipient organization should be the church, and not the
individual member.  The church is providing the ramp for the member.

The woman approached the church to see if it could be done. I prefer
that the Scout contact building supply places for donations. It gives
the scout practice in getting people involved. It also lets the
community know about Scouting's good works.

What you say here that the Scout should do is a given.

All I'm saying is that the receipient organization should be the
church itself and not this one individual. A rep from the church
should be signing off for the church, and the church should be listed
as the organization the project is being done for.

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan

Post by Stan
2.  An Eagle project is supposed to involve a "significant effort".
How much of an effort with this be?  If it's "not really", then how
about having the boy also produce some sort of "helping the
handicapped" display or program, such as a display which will be up
for a few weeks in the lobby of the church and/or his public school.

The boy will have to secure donations, he will have to discuss
building plans with carpenters and helpers. Extreme Makeover was in
town last week filming a show - this will be a good parallel to see
what can be done locally.

This takes care of my concern in this area.

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan

Post by Stan
4.  How will the boy show leadership?  It seems to me that
construction can be a one-person effort.  Make sure he specifies work
that others will do.

That is always one of my qualifiers - he must lead others in
completing the project. The area would need to be prepared and not by
the professional(s). I would not accept him securing one carpenter to
do all the work. He needs to assign tasks.

Another problem taken care of.

I would say that my comments in paragraph 1 may be the only thing
you'll need to take care of.

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

Post by Stan
What you say here that the Scout should do is a given.
All I'm saying is that the receipient organization should be the
church itself and not this one individual. A rep from the church
should be signing off for the church, and the church should be listed
as the organization the project is being done for.

I had some difficulty with the "one individual" concept. Yet, what is
a community if not the citizens? I see no guidance on the number of
citizens it takes to be a community.

It's an interesting point that I will review with the SM and Scout.

Hugh

[S***@hp.com]

J. Hugh Sullivan <***@bellsouth.net> wrote:
: On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:42:35 -0700 (PDT), Stan <***@hotmail.com>
: wrote:
:
: [....]
:
: I had some difficulty with the "one individual" concept. Yet, what is
: a community if not the citizens? I see no guidance on the number of
: citizens it takes to be a community.

From my perspective, the guidance is very clear. The third bullet
item in the list of project limitations on page 2 of the Eagle project
workbook says:

- Projects may not be performed for businesses or an individual.


I agree with the earlier posts that the church could be the
organization, and the scout would be doing service for the church
by working on a project identified by them as benefitting their
constituency.

As an eagle project reviewer, I would not approve a project
with the name of an idividual listed in the form as the "group"
that will benefit from the project.

[Stan]

From my perspective, the guidance is very clear.  The third bullet
item in the list of project limitations on page 2 of the Eagle project
 - Projects may not be performed for businesses or an individual.

Do you have the latest copy of the workbook? The version I just
looked at on my council's website http://advancement.ppbsa.org/pdf/18-927.pdf
just said business; "individual" was no longer in the text you quoted.

As a former Troop Advancement Coordinator for 21 years, it was
frustrating when changes were quietly made (i.e., a new edition comes
out, and there's no introduction or revision marks to indicate that
there's been a change, leaving it to us to accidently notice it), but
unfortunately that's the way things are sometimes done.

Even with this, I still stand by my assertion that it would look nicer
if this were a project for the church, with the church signing off on
the concept and the plan, than the individual for whom the ramp is
being built.

[S***@hp.com]

Stan <***@hotmail.com> wrote:
: On Sep 22, 11:56 am, ***@hp.com wrote:
:> J. Hugh Sullivan <***@bellsouth.net> wrote:
:> : On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:42:35 -0700 (PDT), Stan <***@hotmail.com>: wrote:

:> From my perspective, the guidance is very clear.  The third bullet
:> item in the list of project limitations on page 2 of the Eagle project
:> workbook says:
:>
:>  - Projects may not be performed for businesses or an individual.
:
: Do you have the latest copy of the workbook? The version I just
: looked at on my council's website http://advancement.ppbsa.org/pdf/18-927.pdf
: just said business; "individual" was no longer in the text you quoted.

That came from the version currently on the BSA national website:

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-927.pdf

On the back page it says "2009 Printing". It also has the
"100 Years of Scouting" logo inside the front cover, so I am
pretty confident that it is an up to date version.

However, the oldest version that I have readily available (publication
number 18-927C, labeled 2002 on the back cover) still says "the project
also may not be performed for a business or an individual" in the
"Limitations" section at the beginning. So that restriction has been
in place for quite a while.

[Scott "Moxie Man" Bernier]

This has been an interesting thread, even if most folks have declared
Usenet as dead. My thanks for the link to the updated workbook. I'll
be forwarding that link to our district advancement chair. Our
council tends to let us know stuff after-the-fact and she's doing a
Life-to-Eagle Seminar the first weekend in October for older scouts
and adults. Now, she'll have the latest info for them.

Post by S***@hp.com
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-927.pdf
On the back page it says "2009 Printing". It also has the
"100 Years of Scouting" logo inside the front cover, so I am
pretty confident that it is an up to date version.
However, the oldest version that I have readily available (publication
number 18-927C, labeled 2002 on the back cover) still says "the project
also may not be performed for a business or an individual" in the
"Limitations" section at the beginning. So that restriction has been
in place for quite a while.

--
Scott Bernier, Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
Kennebec Valley District, Pine Tree Council
Spam belongs in a can out on the hiking trail, not my mailbox.
Need to contact me, hope you know your Morse Code:
/ - - / - - - / - * * - / * * / * / - - / * - / - * //
(at) / - - * / * - - / * * // (dot) / - * / * / - //
Or find it on our District Website: www.kv-scouts.org

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

On Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:59:53 -0400, Scott "Moxie Man" Bernier

Post by Scott "Moxie Man" Bernier
This has been an interesting thread, even if most folks have declared
Usenet as dead. My thanks for the link to the updated workbook. I'll
be forwarding that link to our district advancement chair. Our
council tends to let us know stuff after-the-fact and she's doing a
Life-to-Eagle Seminar the first weekend in October for older scouts
and adults. Now, she'll have the latest info for them.

I have participated on this newsgroup for years. It used to be much
busier. It's a great place for discussion and we don't always agree -
but most people discuss in a very friendly manner.

Your DAC also needs the latest copy of the Advancement Guidelines. The
Shawnee Trails Council has an excellent write up of requirements for
Eagle Boards on the web site. I did not write it but our board was the
model.

Permit me to mention one thing that has not been mentioned here to my
knowledge. When my oldest grandson (in another district) earned Eagle
the project he did was in a very public place - and a number of people
donated time and money. I suggested he affix two plastic markers on
the structures - one to list the major donors and another to state
that it was an Eagle Scout project of his troop. Scouting needs good
publicity and the act breeds new ideas for Eagle projects.

Hugh

[Scott "Moxie Man" Bernier]

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
On Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:59:53 -0400, Scott "Moxie Man" Bernier

Post by Scott "Moxie Man" Bernier
This has been an interesting thread, even if most folks have declared
Usenet as dead. My thanks for the link to the updated workbook. I'll
be forwarding that link to our district advancement chair. Our
council tends to let us know stuff after-the-fact and she's doing a
Life-to-Eagle Seminar the first weekend in October for older scouts
and adults. Now, she'll have the latest info for them.

I have participated on this newsgroup for years. It used to be much
busier. It's a great place for discussion and we don't always agree -
but most people discuss in a very friendly manner.

To be honest, I've read this group on and off since the days when it
was simply called "rec.scouting". I participated in the vote that
split it into multiple groups. That was what...20 years ago?

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
Your DAC also needs the latest copy of the Advancement Guidelines.

I know she has that. She brought that up at our last district
meeting.

Scott

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

Post by S***@hp.com
I agree with the earlier posts that the church could be the
organization, and the scout would be doing service for the church
by working on a project identified by them as benefitting their
constituency.
As an eagle project reviewer, I would not approve a project
with the name of an idividual listed in the form as the "group"
that will benefit from the project.
--
Steve Messinger
Ore-Ida Council

Thanks, Steve. The Advancement Guidelines do not mention such a
restriction. The Workbook copies from a Google search are out of date
but do mention the restriction.

I'm more and more concerned about the "individual" aspect regardless
of Stan's mention of no such requirement in his copy of the Workbook.
That could lead to all sorts of undesirable projects if some Scouters
interpreted the requirement too liberally.

I will implement some changes - or see that they do. I will notify the
SMs in the two districts where I chair the Eagle Boards.

Several years ago I had a board meeting in Seattle. My wife and I had
never been to WA, OR, ID or MT. We rented a car, drove to Portland,
along the Columbia River, turned north and crossed over to Missoula
where we spent the night. I even went by the Scout Office there and
the SE gave me a souvenir neckerchief. We drove back by a more
northerly route.

In passing through ID we passed one of the prettiest large lakes I
have ever seen - nicer than Tahoe we thought. Beautiful country.

I was raised in the Delta Area Council in MS and currently in the
Shawnee Trails Council in KY.

Thanks to everyone.

Hugh

[S***@hp.com]

J. Hugh Sullivan <***@bellsouth.net> wrote:
:
: [...]
:
: In passing through ID we passed one of the prettiest large lakes I
: have ever seen - nicer than Tahoe we thought. Beautiful country.
:
That may have been Lake Couer d'Alene in northern Idaho - a very
pretty lake. My troop was at Camp Easton this year for summer camp,
which is right on the lake and a good camp experience.

[Stephen Henning]

Post by Stan
From my years as a Troop Eagle Advisor-
1. The receipient organization should be the church, and not the
individual member. The church is providing the ramp for the member.

A church is people. This is adding a requirement, which is not
acceptable. The requirement is that Scouting is not the beneficiary.

Post by Stan
2. An Eagle project is supposed to involve a "significant effort".
How much of an effort with this be? If it's "not really", then how
about having the boy also produce some sort of "helping the
handicapped" display or program, such as a display which will be up
for a few weeks in the lobby of the church and/or his public school.

There is no effort requirement, just a planning and leadership
requirement. Requiring significant effort is adding a requirement, not
acceptable.

It will not only benefit the resident but handicapped people that visit
the resident. The resident will not gain financially other than not
having to spend money on something they can't afford. I will benefit
the community to make that person more self sufficient.

I have seen projects approved that were nothing but weeds in a year. At
least this is a project that will be used.

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

Post by Stephen Henning

Post by Stan
From my years as a Troop Eagle Advisor-
1. The receipient organization should be the church, and not the
individual member. The church is providing the ramp for the member.

A church is people. This is adding a requirement, which is not
acceptable. The requirement is that Scouting is not the beneficiary.

Post by Stan
2. An Eagle project is supposed to involve a "significant effort".
How much of an effort with this be? If it's "not really", then how
about having the boy also produce some sort of "helping the
handicapped" display or program, such as a display which will be up
for a few weeks in the lobby of the church and/or his public school.

There is no effort requirement, just a planning and leadership
requirement. Requiring significant effort is adding a requirement, not
acceptable.
It will not only benefit the resident but handicapped people that visit
the resident. The resident will not gain financially other than not
having to spend money on something they can't afford. I will benefit
the community to make that person more self sufficient.
I have seen projects approved that were nothing but weeds in a year. At
least this is a project that will be used.
--
Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA - http://rhodyman.net

I wondered where you were, Steve - I wanted your opinion.

It seems obvious to me now that the project requirements don't permit
benefit to individuals. Even though the project is undeniably
beneficial to more than one person I have advised the SM and Scout to
complete the project as one for the church. It appears to be a
technicality but rules should be respected.

One problem I had with the original, and the reason for my posting the
original question, was that this project, if generally known, would
cause a flurry of projects for individuals. Some of those projects
might be borderline for Eagle projects. I don't want to be placed in
the position of deciding borderline cases.

In the future, should projects like this arise, it will be known from
the getgo that projects for individuals should be under the auspices
of a church or other qualified institution.

Also, I hope this exchange will encourage others to use this
newsgroup. I have been registered for more than 50 years and I learned
something new. Maybe I won't be the last.

Hugh

[Stan]

Post by Stan
From my years as a Troop Eagle Advisor-
1.  The receipient organization should be the church, and not the
individual member.  The church is providing the ramp for the member.

A church is people.  This is adding a requirement, which is not
acceptable.  The requirement is that Scouting is not the beneficiary.

From the Boy Scout Requirements-

While a Life Scout, a Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership
to others in a service project to any religious institution,
school,
or community.

My advice to Hugh was consistent with this requirement; therefore, I
wasn't adding to the BSA requirements.

Post by Stan
2.  An Eagle project is supposed to involve a "significant effort".
How much of an effort with this be?  If it's "not really", then how
about having the boy also produce some sort of "helping the
handicapped" display or program, such as a display which will be up
for a few weeks in the lobby of the church and/or his public school.

There is no effort requirement, just a planning and leadership
requirement. Requiring significant effort is adding a requirement, not
acceptable.

Again from the Boy Scout Requirements

Routine labor, or a job or service normally rendered, should not
be considered. An Eagle service project should be of significant
magnitude to be special and should represent the candidate's best
possible effort.

So again, I wasn't adding to the BSA requirements.

[Chicago Paddling-Fishing]

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.

Did you read about this eagle scout project?
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/09/10/cnnheroes.alex.griffith/index.htm
l
Boy Scout turns 'mud pit' into a $60K playground

Also read http://www.krasplayground.org/ as it contains all the numbers...
$62,856 raised...

[J. Hugh Sullivan]

On Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:59:09 +0000 (UTC), Chicago Paddling-Fishing

Post by Chicago Paddling-Fishing

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.

Did you read about this eagle scout project?
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/09/10/cnnheroes.alex.griffith/index.htm
l
Boy Scout turns 'mud pit' into a $60K playground
Also read http://www.krasplayground.org/ as it contains all the numbers...
$62,856 raised...
--
John Nelson

It's good to get back to Scouting, John and Stan.

The project was amazing. My two sons and two grandsons raised about
$2000 and I thought that was pretty good. In 1943 I did not have to do
an Eagle project. Maybe Chairing the Eagle Board for more than 30
years counts - I do lead, guide and direct people! 8-)

One Eagle here collected several hundred computers, got a professional
to do any necessary maintenance, and transported them in an 18 wheeler
to New Orleans after Katrina and distributed them to needy people. I
suspect that was at least a $50,000 effort, all donated. He had a slew
of people involved and he did lead, guide and direct.

Another sent Scouts to ask veterans to come forward and have their
stories recorded for historic purposes. The filming was done and
transferred to numerous CDs that were delivered to libraries, schools
and other public facilities. The project made WWII, et al., come alive
for young people in school.

I think it's a good idea to exchange project thoughts since all the
cemeteries have been cleaned and restored.

Hugh

[Chicago Paddling-Fishing]

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
On Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:59:09 +0000 (UTC), Chicago Paddling-Fishing

Post by Chicago Paddling-Fishing

Post by J. Hugh Sullivan
An Eagle Scout project is supposed to benefit "any religious
institution, school or community". In my mind a community is the
citizenry.
A Scout can get donations and qualified people and Scouts to lead
guide and direct the building of a wheelchair ramp for an elderly,
infirm lady
The Scout Executive sees no problem as long as I don't. I ask for
opinions because I have not considered this type project before. I am
leaning strongly toward approval.

Did you read about this eagle scout project?
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/09/10/cnnheroes.alex.griffith/index.htm
l
Boy Scout turns 'mud pit' into a $60K playground
Also read http://www.krasplayground.org/ as it contains all the numbers...
$62,856 raised...
--
John Nelson

It's good to get back to Scouting, John and Stan.
The project was amazing. My two sons and two grandsons raised about
$2000 and I thought that was pretty good. In 1943 I did not have to do
an Eagle project. Maybe Chairing the Eagle Board for more than 30
years counts - I do lead, guide and direct people! 8-)
One Eagle here collected several hundred computers, got a professional
to do any necessary maintenance, and transported them in an 18 wheeler
to New Orleans after Katrina and distributed them to needy people. I
suspect that was at least a $50,000 effort, all donated. He had a slew
of people involved and he did lead, guide and direct.
Another sent Scouts to ask veterans to come forward and have their
stories recorded for historic purposes. The filming was done and
transferred to numerous CDs that were delivered to libraries, schools
and other public facilities. The project made WWII, et al., come alive
for young people in school.
I think it's a good idea to exchange project thoughts since all the
cemeteries have been cleaned and restored.

There are all sorts of project ideas out there, my oldest son did his Eagle
project in September 2002 by collecting tattered flags that had been flying
so much since the 9/11 attack and retiring them.

For his part, my dad rarely talks about Iwo Jima, although he did let one of
my kids interview him for a college paper... he said the guy next to him in
the landing craft was killed by a stray bullet before they landed and it pretty
much went downhill from there...

Loading Image... is a ramp we built (although not for
an eagle project). The day after my father-in-law and I fell down the steps
together I didn't give my mother-in-law an option. God was good to us though
as we had a week of 50 degree days in January (not characteristic for Chicago)
and we got the ramp completed without having to suffer working outdoors in a
typical Chicago (ie -10) January... cost me about $2500 for a 46 foot ramp
which was unfortunate because it was Christmas time, but at least i'll never
surf the steps again.