Eagle Scout creates beautiful space for community

		Pictured above is Connor Brown's finished project.
		Pictured above is a look at the area prior to work on Connor Brown's Eagle Scout project.
		Artist rendering of Connor Brown's Eagle project.

Connor Brown successfully passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review just one year ago on May 6, 2021, but the Troop 4 Eagle will long be remembered as being a great example of Scouting because of his Eagle Scout project.

CONNOR BROWN

He worked with the YMCA in his hometown of Wapakoneta to establish a prayer garden near the east entrance as a place for all to go to reflect and pray. He accomplished a great deal with this effort, as the project consisted of a cross laid in brink with a statue of St. Joseph and included marble benches.

Working with of volunteers he led the effort to successfully complete the project in 232 hours.

“It was a thoughtful and very ambitious and beautiful project,” Joshua Little of the Wapak YMCA said. “It is a great addition to our campus and example of our Christian Mission as well.”

“It turned out remarkable and it exceeded what I saw on paper when he first presented the idea,” he added. “I think it also exceeded Connor’s expectations as well.”

As part of the Eagle Scout project, Connor also worked to raise the funds necessary to complete such a beautiful work which totaled more than $12,960, with the remainder of the funds raised being donated to the YMCA.

As part of Connor’s efforts, he had to complete necessary paperwork to report on his project. One question asked, “what did you learn…”, with Connor remarking, “It is not always easy to direct teenagers. Also I want to jump in and take over for people so I can do a lot of the work, but I realized that being a leader is not always doing the work, it is letting other people do it so they can learn too.”

“Seeing everyone doing their job and working together, also seeing the progress of how it was all constructed and final seeing the end results,” Connor shared of what was most rewarding to him.

If you’d like to visit Connor’s Eagle Scout project, the Wapakoneta YMCA is located at 1100 Defiance St., in Wapakoneta.

“The reaction from people has been that of you can really see the enjoyment and reminder of Christ,” Mr. Little shared. “It ties into our heritage and partnership St. Joseph’s, which we would not here without them. We are blessed to have this beautiful addition here.”

Connor’s hard work and beautiful project helped him become a finalist for this year’s Black Swamp Area Council Adam’s Award.

Connor is the son of John and Jennifer Brown.

St. Joseph Catholic Church is Scouting’s charter partner for both Troop 4 and Pack 4.

Connor’s project caught the attention of the Lima Hometown Stations news team. See the news story at: A Wapakoneta Boy Scout earns the rank of Eagle Scout | News | hometownstations.com