Eagle Scout Project: Safer Entrance for Community United Methodist Church

Hello! My name is Gavin Brockschmidt, a Life Scout with Troop 306 in DeBary, Florida, working toward the rank of Eagle Scout. For my Eagle Project, I’m improving the main entrance at Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) — a property that supports not just Scouts and church events but also the City of DeBary’s youth soccer league and other community groups.

The Need

The current entrance gate sits right on Highbanks Road. Trucks and trailers must stop on the shoulder to unlock and swing the gate, often blocking traffic and creating a safety hazard. The ground near the gate has worn down over the years, making entry rough on vehicles and difficult to maintain.

The Project

To fix these problems, I am leading a team of Scouts and volunteers to:

Remove the existing entrance section of fence.

Recess the gate 40 feet back from the road, creating a safe pull-off area.

Widen the approach to make trailer turns easier and safer.

Lay down aggregate (#57 stone or crushed asphalt) to create a durable, low-maintenance surface that will handle vehicle traffic and reduce erosion.

Install new fence posts, gate hardware, and anchors to complete the improved entrance.

This change will make access safer for everyone — Scouts, church members, and community groups who rely on this property.

Budget

We’ve carefully priced out the materials and supplies:

Aggregate & delivery – $470

Pressure-treated posts (2) – $64

Gate hardware – $110

Fencing & anchors – $120

Concrete (2 bags) – $24

Fasteners & misc. – $12

Food & fuel for volunteers – $50

Total Goal: $850

Every dollar raised goes directly to these costs. Any leftover funds will be donated back to CUMC for continued property maintenance.

How You Can Help

Your donation — big or small — helps make this project a reality. You’ll be supporting a local Eagle Scout on his journey to Scouting’s highest rank while providing a lasting, practical improvement for our community.

Thank you for helping me make this entrance safer, more functional, and ready to serve DeBary for years to come!

— Gavin Brockschmidt

Troop 306, Timuqua District