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The Eagle

What does it mean to be an Eagle Scout? How does one become an Eagle Scout? Why does it require a project? These are common questions to someone who hasn’t achieved the rank of Eagle. For those very few who have reached the summit, the answers are easy. The Eagle you are about to read about, honored a member of his family and provided a path for all people.

Benjamin Holley | Troop 63 | Archbold, Ohio

Sometimes, an Eagles Scout project has a special meaning behind it. This is the case for Benjamin Holley, who not only focused on those needing handicap accessible facilities but took lessons from life and Scouting to deliver upon the values instilled in him through the Boy Scouts of America.

“When I did my Disability

 Awareness Merit Badge, part of the requirements was to look at local public facilities to see if they were wheelchair accessible. When my Grandmother came to the park to visit with us it was always difficult for us to wheel her to the pavilion.” 88 feet may not seem like a long way to someone walking, but for those in a wheel chair, or pushing a stroller in rough terrain, it can feel like 88 miles. So, with the thought of his grandmother and others in mind, Benjamin set out to make sure all families can gather with ease at the Ridgeville Park Pavilion.

The job was quite the undertaking, seeing 26 volunteers pitch-in to make his idea come to life. A portion of the money donated for the project came from the memorial fund of Benjamin’s grandmother, whose memory sparked this project. “This was a personal project and a nice way to honor my Grandma. Anyone who goes to the park, especially older people and those with physical disabilities benefit from the path to the pavilion.”

After 135 hours of labor and $750 invested, Benjamin’s project was completed, but the project was just the capstone on the journey to becoming an Eagle. “I have learned lots of life skills, made lots of friends, and I have more confidence in myself. Becoming an Eagle Scout was very important to me. I want to be an example for other people and be looked up to for reaching this milestone.”

“I wanted to make something that would help my community and help those who maybe had a difficult time enjoying the park before.”

      

Black Swamp Area Council
2100 Broad Avenue, Findlay Ohio
(419) 422-4356