Isaac's Eagle Scout Project

These past 4 months have been very busy with Isaac's eagle scout project. He knew he wanted to do something outdoors because he loves to spend to much time outside camping, hiking, and fishing.

 His first idea was to clean up one of his favorite scouting campsites. We never heard back from land management so that was a no go.

His second idea was to place trail markers and mile markers on one of his favorite hiking trails owned by Spokane Parks and Rec. Sadly they had just placed markers 3 weeks before we asked. 

Bryant, the park ranger, did ask if Isaac was up to the task of replacing a fire danger sign at Liberty Lake Off Road Vehicle Park. The one there was in disrepair. 

This changed Isaac's project into one that he would have to do some fund raising or seek project material donations. I had not had to deal with this with Daniel's project. It brings a whole new level of planning and frustration to the project. 

Bryant was very helpful with the proposal write up and Isaac got it approved right away. Isaac had to learn about tool use safety and at what ages scouts could use tools on his work site. 

At our church we have a friend who taught high school wood shop for many, many years. He also has a wood shop in his basement. This gentleman, Rich Chapin, spent literally hours, and hours, and hours with Isaac teaching him how to make templates, router, dato cut, and make a sign more durable and weather resistant than the previous. I can say with 100% certainty this project could not have been a success without him.

Isaac had to rebuilt the posts of the sign with 8 ft pre-treated 4x4's. They made some improvements from the design of the previous sign's posts. These ones are jointed together and one side is beveled to aid in rain and snow runoff. 

Isaac said the hardest part of the project was routering. It takes a lot of focus and skill. 

Part of an eagle project is to show leadership. Isaac had to recruit people to help him in completing his project. 

 Because legally the other scouts could not use any of the power tools, Isaac had to wait until the painting of the sign to recruit for help. 

 When it looked like the sign would not get done until end of November, it took a very long time to get building supplies donated, I was super worried. I figured the sign would not be able to get into the ground until the spring thaw. 

Then we got a warm snap. It rained for three days before the install. We all figured better rain than snow. Then on the actual day of the install it did not rain. For the Pacific Northwest this is unheard of! The ground was thawed and easy to dig into. 

Well at least I am assuming it was easy to dig into. I did not do any actually digging. ha ha 

The one thing Isaac could reuse from the old sign was the arrow. He got it on nice and tight to that the arrow should stay where it is placed instead of just falling off like it did on the old sign.

The old sign was put in really, really well. They were most generous with the use of concrete. Luckily David had volunteered the use of his truck so we could get the sign up to the off road vehicle park. My dad had a chain in the back of his truck because my dad firmly believes in never leaving the house without a chain. 

The smile on this kid's face is one of relief. He was so ecstatic to be finishing this project.

Bryant asked that a plaque be placed on the sign of those that helped make the project possible. 

This was Jakey's first Eagle Scout project he got to help out on. I think it is really cool that it got to be his brother's.

Once the posts were out of the ground it took three boys to lift them once at a time into the back of the truck.

The new and improved sign get ready for placement.

Sign placed. Project complete. Some very happy boys that are about to get some well deserved doughnuts. 

Now all Isaac has left to do is this Eagle Project refection packet. This is quite lengthy and very in depth. He will also need to write a letter as to why he feels he is ready and worthy to hold the rank of Eagle Scout. He will need to solicit three letters of recommendation from people in the community as to why they feel he is worthy and ready to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Isaac will never see these letters. I am push him to work on this packet over winter break. I think if I push him just enough, but not too hard, he can have it done in the two weeks time plus still have time to relax.

I am just so dang proud of my son!! He has showed a lot of growth throughout this process. Even he has noted it. He wants to get an after picture because he looks so different than when he did standing next to the sign in the beginning. I will probably drive him out there to do that and post it in a following post. He is such an amazing kid. Very kind and compassionate but also determined and not one to allow his views and opinions to be trampled on.