Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

Since first grade I have been involved in scouting and always wanted to obtain the top rank of Eagle Scout. I always knew that it is a special honor that helps you advance in life. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout I had to complete a leadership project that benefits the community. My project was making a rain barrel exhibit at Hunting Island Nature Center.

I have been in Boy Scouts since fifth grade up to today which has given me the opportunity to become an Eagle Scout. I have worked hard on advancing up to Eagle by going to meetings, troop camp outs, summer camps, and working on my own. Even though at times I procrastinated, I always kept in mind the importance of being called an Eagle Scout. This achievement will help in the future because I want to become a pilot, which has very high job competition. I kept moving on through the ranks and earning merit badges to complete all the necessary achievements before the leadership project.

The nature center wanted to show visitors how to conserve water. They had Clemson Extension Services build a rain barrel to show how this can be done. The rain water collected was to be used for watering a garden. The barrels used were 55 gallon blue industrial barrels that didnâ€™t fit in with the buildingâ€™s aesthetics. So, the park ranger had the rain barrels placed where they couldnâ€™t be seen. The two barrels were place on a six foot stand that was fenced in and behind the air-conditioning unit. Visitors couldnâ€™t see them. They were also difficult to use because the spigot was six feet high so the water could not be used to water their garden. The nature center had a third rain barrel, made to look like a wood barrel, with the intention of placing it where the visitors can see it. Unfortunately they would not find anyone to complete the project and the barrel was put in the attic where is stayed for about one year.

For my Eagle Project, I decided to help the Hunting Island Nature Center and complete the construction of the exhibit. We (the volunteers I recruited to help and I) built another six foot stand, out of wood, for the third rain barrel at the nature centerâ€™s entrance. Then, the two existing rain barrels were already connected by PVC pipe. We then connected the older barrels and new barrel together PVC pipe running underneath the building. A new spigot was placed at ground level at the front of the Nature Center by the garden. All three barrels were connected to run out of that spigot. To finish the project a rain gutter was fitted so that it runs into the new rain barrel. To make sure everything worked as planned, a hose was place in one barrel and turned on. All three barrels filled up with water and water came out the spigot as planned.

Prior to any construction taking place, I had to write-up a step-by-step explanation of how the exhibit would be constructed. Once it was approved by the troop master, a committee member, and district committee member I could begin the project. To gather all the necessary materials I contacted Loweâ€™s asking for a donation. They were able to donate approximately $450 worth of materials. The rest of the materials, approximately $100, were bought by the Friends of Hunting Island. Then, I solicited for volunteers in my troop (Scouts and parents) if they could help over Labor Day weekend. Since the location is about thirty minutes from most restaurants, I contacted a restaurant down the road from the nature center in advance to make sure that everyone could have food when it came to being lunch time. Everything was now in place. With the assistance of fifteen dads and boys, we constructed the Rain Barrel Exhibit.

The biggest challenge for me was finding a project. I am not a very imaginative person so I called around to churches and multiple county services to see if they need assistance with anything. After being transferred from one person to the next, I ended up talking to someone who in the past was involved with my troop. She told me suggested that I contact Hunting Island, that they may have a project that I could do. Thatâ€™s was when I started talking to a representative from the Friends of Hunting Island and he told me about the rain barrel exhibit. Another challenge was that I didnâ€™t know how to construct the exhibit. When I started the planning process I turned to my dad for assistance, who has twenty years of experience in housing maintenance. A challenge that I had while doing the project, was some of the boys completed the task that they were given quicker than expected. I had to find something for them to do so the job could be completed quicker.

In doing this project I learned a lot about how to lead a group of people to achieve a common goal in the most efficient way possible through experience. I experienced what it is like to be a good leader; I also have a greater appreciation for leaders when I am one of their followers. The project is helping the nature center, and will be for many years to come. The exhibit shows the community how to save money on their water bill by collecting rain water and how to use it; wash their cars, water lawns, and water gardens. I believe that this experience helped me greatly in preparing for my future as an Air Force Officer by knowing how to be a great leader.