Eagle Project: The Power of Leadership and the Community

What I Learned from My Eagle Project

Completing my Eagle Project was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. For my project, I led a team to support Duck Team 6, a non-profit organization dedicated to capturing stray dogs and finding them loving homes. Through this journey, I learned invaluable lessons about planning, leadership, teamwork, and community engagement. In this blog post, I want to share the key lessons I learned throughout this experience.

Planning and Preparation

The idea for my project came from a fellow scout who introduced me to Duck Team 6. I was inspired by their mission and the dedication of their volunteers, particularly Ms. Cathy McNeese, who has fostered many dogs herself and at one point, had over 20 foster dogs at one time. My original plan was to solicit pet food and supplies by going door-to-door in the local neighborhoods. However, many people preferred to donate money instead of supplies, which led me to adjust my strategy and focus on fundraising.

One of the biggest challenges was organizing the logistics and getting the necessary approvals. I reached out to various organizations, including veterinary offices and pet supply companies, to solicit donations. I even wrote letters to notable figures such as President George W. Bush and other philanthropists.

Leadership and Teamwork

Leading a team of scout volunteers was a pivotal part of my project. I learned that effective leadership involves clear communication, trust, and the ability to motivate others. Teaching younger scouts, like when I served as a Den Chief, was part teaching and part herding cats. This experience helped me develop patience and a better understanding of different learning styles.

One of the most memorable moments was when we almost started a forest fire during a biking campout due to a leaky propane tank and a lighter. This incident taught me the importance of safety, vigilance, and the ability to remain calm in emergencies. Mentors and adult leaders in my troop like Mr. Tambe, Mrs. Khasgiwala, and others provided me with guidance and support throughout the process.

Execution and Implementation

We held fundraising events at local stores and created specific bags of pet food and supplies for donors to purchase. The community's response was heartwarming and quite frankly, incredible. I was particularly touched by the willingness of people to help, from kids encouraging their parents to donate to our cause, to veterinarian offices providing medical supplies, as well as those who, even though they seemed to be in a rush, took some time out of their day to support our mission. 

Reflection and Impact

Reflecting on my Eagle Project, I realize how much I have grown. The project taught me the importance of giving back to the community as well as the impact one person can have when they harness the power of the community and help inspire others to support a common mission. Knowing that our efforts helped Duck Team 6 continue their mission of rescuing stray dogs was incredibly fulfilling. Presenting the big check to Ms. Cathy McNeese was one of the highlights of the project. Being able to contribute in a significant way meant a lot to me and helped me see the true power of a community the support it can provide.

See the video: https://www.facebook.com/DuckTeam6/videos/479876870331771/

The skills I gained from this experience—leadership, teamwork, project management, and problem-solving—will be invaluable in my future endeavors. The support and recognition from the Elm Fork District for my project further reinforced the significance of community service and the lifelong lessons learned through Scouting. I am honored and humbled to have my project receive the designation “Project of the Year” by Elm Fork district. Here you can see my speech as I reflect on the experience here ().

Completing my Eagle Project was a transformative experience that taught me invaluable life lessons. I encourage anyone considering Scouts to embrace the challenge and pursue Eagle. The journey is demanding, but the rewards are worth it. To the younger scouts, remember that it's not just about achieving the Eagle rank but understanding the power of giving back, the importance of leadership, the vitality of communication. To all the adult leaders and mentors, thank you for your unwavering support and guidance.

Thank you, Boy Scouts of America, for the amazing life lessons, and thank you again to the Elm Fork District for the recognition. Your support has made this journey unforgettable.

Click here to watch the speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1k9gvCwgXk