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, made sure others in the Henry County community could experience the fun of GaGa Ball.

Brandon Moll | Troop 46 | Napoleon, Ohio

Taking experiences from his time working at Boy Scout summer camp, Brandon Moll thought about the fun all Scouts and Scouters have playing GaGa Ball. This fond memory drove him to bring that joy to Glenwood Park in Napoleon.

“I picked my project because of my time worked at summer camp earlier in the year. I got to see how much the kids loved playing the game. What really got me excited was that GaGa Ball doesn’t have to be a game just for little kids, I saw 16, 17 and 18-year-olds playing. Heck, I even saw some Scoutmasters playing!”

The project started gaining traction from that simple memory of Scouts and Scouters enjoying a simple game. So, Brandon set out to raise the necessary funds for his idea. In total, he received $600 in total gifts. With funds secured, now manpower was the next task on the docket.

“I’m very grateful to have friends in Scouting, as well as a helpful family. My mom, dad, and younger brother all are all active Scouters, so helping was no big task for them. Two friends from camp staff and a friend from high school pitched in as well."

With the resources and manpower collected, now came the question of, where? Brandon settled on the Glenwood Park in Napoleon, Ohio. “I wanted my GaGa ball pit to benefit everyone, kids who want to play outside with their friends and parent and babysitters who want to take their kids to the park.”

When finished, Moll’s project, a 3’ x 24’ GaGa Ball Pit, was constructed on the grounds of the park with the help of seven individuals. The feeling of finishing a project is familiar for a Scout who has traversed years of adventures in Scouting.
“Becoming an Eagle Scout has always been important to me, ever since I started as a Tiger Cub. It is always the goal of every Scout to achieve the rank of Eagle, and for some it’s too hard. I have seen my best friends join and leave because they had no interest in becoming an Eagle. But for some of us, the fun along the way is more than enough to satisfy.”

If you are an Eagle Scout and would like to have you project featured in The Eagle, contact Matt Kibler at matt.kibler@scouting.org