Wheelchair Ramp As Eagle Project

[T2Eagle]

I recently received an e-mail from our DE passing on a request for a help building a wheelchair ramp for an elderly individual. I think it would make a good Eagle project, and one of my scouts may be interested, but generally eagle projects are meant to serve the community rather than an individual.

 

Has anyone ever come across this, is there a way this can be qualified as an Eagle project?

[scoutergipper]

I don't think this would get approved for the reason you cite: it benefits only a single individual. I'd encourage you to ask your Scouts if they'd like to take this on as a "good turn" project. Maybe there's a Merit Badge angle as well (Disability Awareness, Carpentry?).

[Stosh]

Is the elderly a relative?

 

Is the project on private property?

 

Those two flags might be raised and the second would disqualify it as a community project. A wheel chair ramp up to a birding lookout at a county park would qualify. But I'm thinking this is dead in the water before it even starts.

 

I'd say get the boys together in the troop, do the ramp and check it off as practice and a service project for the troop.

 

Stosh

[RememberSchiff]

It happens. Usually the scout is working with a local "Wheel chair ministry" or community group to serve a member.of same.

 

I understand the preference for an Eagle project to serve a perceived greater good or number but there are other measures.

 

Googling: here are some examples

- Wheelchair Ramp Ministry, Eagle Scout project for shut-in:

http://www.frontstreetumc.org/article229627.htm

- scout constructed a wheelchair ramp for a hospice patient and his elderly wife for his Eagle project. This project was done through a nonprofit organization, Barn of the Angels.

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news...082114_247138/

http://barnoftheangels.com/rosary_ramps_ministry.html

- sometimes the "one" is a scout

http://www.waukeshanow.com/news/66549067.html

- or a young mom with MS

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1009&sid=29467807

 

All needed, none seemed lesser Eagle projects. I think the question is does the Eagle candidate have the passion to serve and complete the project. The number served seems less relevant.

 

My $0.02

[Twocubdad]

Ask another non-profit group to serve as the umbrella and give the Scout cover. The nonprofit becomes the technical beneficiary and the Scout does the project on their behalf. Perhaps your CO is agreeable or that person's church. If the person is a vet maybe the local American Legion or DAV would help. But keep in mind ramps usually require building permits, engineered drawings, licensed contractors and liability insurance. The days of cobbling together some plywood up the front stoop is past.

[MattR]

I think it's a good idea but projects for an individual are on the border. Here's a paragraph from the advancement guide:

 

Normally “your community†would not refer to individuals,

although a council or district advancement committee

may consider scenarios where an individual in need can

affect a community. An example might involve elderly

persons able to live at home but unable to maintain their

property, with the result being an “attractive nuisanceâ€Â

or related dangerous situations, or even an eyesoreâ€â€

something that raises concern to more than that of just

an individual. If it can be determined the community

benefits, then it is a matter of identifying who will provide

approvals. They must come from a source representing

the “community,†such as a neighborhood association,

watch group, homeowners association, or perhaps a

division of a town or county.

 

One question would be can this lady pay for it herself, or through medicare, or what not. If so, not an eagle project.

[Papadaddy]

If the request is via the DE, has he cleared the concept with the District/Council Advancement Committees? They are the ones who have to approve it.

[SSScout]

T2Eagle: Anything to report?

[T2Eagle]

I didn't hear anything more. My scout had some other ideas he was considering and chose one of those.