Ryan Droney's Eagle Project

For my Eagle Scout Service Project, I will lead a team of scouts and scouters to revitalize the front planter of Lakewood First United Methodist Church. The current planter is unappealing and does not attract new members towards the church; this service project will be focused on renewing the planter to create a more green and inviting atmosphere, as well as growing the church community. The current soil in the planter is devoid of nutrients and is not only dry but compacted, preventing moisture from sinking into the soil. This soil will be broken up and new composting and fertilizer will be mixed in, providing a nurturant environment as well as raising the plant bed by 3-4 inches. To make the plantar look complete, the ground will be covered in weed tarp and mulch to provide a healthy growing environment for the new and old plants. The mulch is visually appealing, will also hold in water, and is low maintenance, which will reduce future maintenance costs significantly. Above the mulch, multiple plants will be installed to further beautify the area. These new plants will be drought-friendly to combat low rain and high water costs in California. The old cover for the sprinkler valves is rotting and falling apart and will be replaced. My project is designed to match a previous Eagle Scout Service Project from my troop. Similar to my project, Logan Rudman revitalized a planter near the church. It will add vegetation to the area, making the church nicer for returning members and more inviting for

new visitors.

I came across this opportunity through my day-to-day life in Troop 212. Our church has been the beneficiary of many Eagle Projects from my troop, and we will continue to service and improve our community church. While walking in and out of the church's gym entrance, I couldn't help but notice how empty the planar was—the gray dirt, the minimal greenery. The planter sticks out like an eyesore; it contrasts with the grass surrounding it. Upgrading the planter will help to make the church look more inviting and appealing to new and recurring visitors. While talking to the church’s grounds and maintenance representative, he was very enthusiastic about the opportunity and appreciative that this problem was being solved.

Our troop church has been our sponsor for almost as long as I’ve been in the troop. Having an opportunity to help make my community and specifically this church a better place is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Almost every week out of the year, me and my peers meet in this church to try to better ourselves, improve our knowledge, and guide others to success. I have spent countless hours at this church, and I am more than delighted to help grow the community and improve the grounds. One of the requirements for all Eagle Projects is that it has to benefit a religious institution, school, or community. This church is not only a place to do one’s duty to God, but it has been a social place for me to grow my relationships with friends and create new friendships. The same way Lakewood First United Methodist Church has left a positive mark on me, I am excited to be able to say that I have left a positive mark on it with this Eagle Scout Service Project.

The garden will solve a problem for Lakewood First United Methodist Church. The front of the church is barren, with only a few trees and dried-up dirt. This planter is not very inviting towards new visitors, prohibiting growth of the church community. The new planter will help reduce stress and will be lower maintenance with less overall water usage, reducing costs for the church. The new cover for the sprinkler system will better protect them from the elements, again reducing future maintenance, and will also act as a bench for people to relax and take a break in the garden to relieve stress and increase morale. My project aims to increase the look of the church as a whole; it covers an entire side of the church and has a significant impact on how the church looks overall. It will benefit the church and will create a more pleasing atmosphere. This will attract more new people towards the church and grow the church's attendees and community.