OK Service Project

[Rooster7]

I agree with the last post in its entirety (including getting rid of the donation bucket). Perhaps the project could be enhanced, but by itself I do not see anything wrong with it. However, as an Eagle project, I agree with the others...It's not significant enough. In regards to the Committee Chair, if he's directing as oppose to suggesting, then he has overstepped his authority. Work with the Scoutmaster. Let the Scoutmaster deal with the Committee Chair.

[Tiny1pj]

I absolutely agree with everyone that this is nowhere near the level of an eagle project. I see it as a tenderfoot to first class service project, and hope that it incorporates Webelos (even Cubs of all ranks!).

 

I have been thinking about what one person said about it "being in the way". The individuals I know who are not interested will walk on by. The scouts should not be out "pulling people in", rather they should be politely greeting, and making the offer of refreshments. I suggest also having Koolaide, or other beverage for children and people who do not drink coffee.

 

Speaking of children, why not have an area where the older boys could spend some time playing with the children of travelers and give them a break? We have all had the experience of spending long hours in a car hearing "Are we there yet?". This would be an excellant example, and possibly result in the parents investigating scouts for their children.

 

Paul Johnson

Cubmaster, Troop Committee Chair

[jmcquillan]

A little research regarding the effort I've seen on Cape Cod reveals the following:

 

1. It's not being done as an individual Scout project, it's being performed as a Troop project in conjuntion with another local organization (Lions or something like that, but that's unclear), and members of the local National Guard (who provide the tent and some personnel).

 

2. It's kept off to one end of the rest area, out of everyone's way, but readily available for anyone who might simply like a cup of coffee, for free. I'm told they also provide cold water and conversation for all who just want to get off the road for a spell and collect their thought, and stretch their legs.

 

The folks who thought this thing up seem to have done so without any pretense of advertising or fund raising (no funds are collected, no donations taken, so I'm told). It's simply a good neighbor effort to provide something on-the-road that drivers would have to get off the road and fight the local tourist traffic for if it wasn't there. Neat idea. They provide the service only during the non-school months, and only on the weekends when traffic is heaviest. The fact that the Scouts participating are wearing a uniform would seem to do a lot for advertising all by itself...nothing else required there.

 

Not everyone who stops at the rest area partakes, but those who do are thankful for what is offered...so I'm told by those who have stopped there.

 

As I said before, this isn't as Eagle project, and not even a project for an individual Scout. But it seems to be one heck of a good idea for a good turn for the troop and all involved.

 

[ASM7]

I agree that the donation is a bad idea for the troop but would probably be OK for S.A.D.D. This was in no way planned as an Eagle service project. I don't know how we got off on that. We do do lots of service projects. This was just an added service to the traveling public, and you're right, service projects don't have to be a major undertaking. We try to develop service oriented minds. Give more than take.