By Nathan Williams,
Charter Representative for Troop 123, Crossroads of America Council, BSA
What started out as a simple conversation between an Eagle Scout and his mom has now taken flight within a Central Indiana community.
Cameron R. Parks, a 17-year-old Lawrence Central High School Senior and 5th Generation Scout in Troop 123, just completed his Eagle Scout Project. In other words, Cameron lives Scouting!
Long before Cameron achieved those accomplishments, he was a Cub Scout who built birdhouses and birdwatched with his Grandpa. It was that memory which helped spark Cameron’s idea for his Eagle Scout Project.
Following an afternoon of riding his bike and noticing the birds in his neighborhood, memories came flooding back from time spent with his late “Paw Paw.” Cameron went home and told his mom he would like to build birdhouses for his Eagle Scout Project to spread joy. So, they began to search for places that would benefit from his project.
While visiting his mother’s friend at Harrison Terrace, a Long-Term Care and Memory Care facility in Indianapolis, Cameron asked if the residents would enjoy birdhouses, to which they gave an astounding, “YES!” With that, his project began.
Cameron started by researching different styles of birdhouses and decided on two types. Cameron and his team spent 30 hours on the project, from planning to shopping to execution. Ultimately, they constructed and painted six birdhouses for two courtyards.
In collaboration with Harrison Terrace, Cameron engaged residents in the painting process of the project. These residents experienced an activity they enjoyed when they were younger and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to help with the Eagle Scout Project.
Residents of Harrison Terrace can look out their windows or sit in the courtyards and enjoy the birds coming and going. The impact of the Eagle Scout Project on residents has been remarkable and allows the legacy of his “Paw Paw” to soar for generations.
But Cameron doesn’t want to be the only one making an impact in his neighborhood! Troop 123 is seeking girls and boys between the ages of 11-17 to join the Troop, as well as girls and boys between the ages of 5-10, to join their Pack.
If you know any girls or boys interested in experiencing the adventurous world of Scouting, contact Membership Chair Jessica Carr at membershiptroop123@yahoo.com. Troop 123 meets on Saturdays at 9:55 a.m. at the Edna Martin Center, 2259 N. Ralston Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46218.
