Senior Gabe Campbell completed his service project to become an Eagle Scout at the Giving Garden.
After driving by the Giving Garden every day for months, senior Gabe Campbell decided the space needed a shaded area for the garden’s volunteers.
Working with Giving Garden board President Diane Guthrie, he decided to build a shade structure and make it into his Eagle Scout service project.
With help from his dad, they constructed a sunshade next to the greenhouse to provide a gathering space to cool off.
“We had the idea that maybe they need help, and thought it wouldn’t be too hard,” Gabe Campbell said. “We thought shade would be really beneficial to the community garden, so we did it.”
The project took about two months to execute. His dad, Sam, said Gabe had to draw out a plan, gather materials and reach out to local businesses for donations. The building process took three days, he said.
“He was the lead on it, making decisions,” he said. “Me and his mom helped a little. He led and made the decisions.”
The structure is built of four large wooden poles with a cloth-like material tied in between to create the shade.
Gabe Campbell was in Cub Scouts throughout elementary school, learning skills from leadership to how to pitch a tent, he said.
Sam Campbell has seen his son grow in many ways thanks to being a Scout. His favorite memories are when the Scouts take group camping trips, he said.
“He developed friendships and became a good leader,” he said. “It teaches them to be dedicated to something as they accomplish each step.”
Guthrie is thankful for the new shade structure. For her and other volunteers at the garden, it can be too hot in the direct sun even in the morning, she said.
“The garden is a place for the community to come and hang out. One time it was so hot we went under the picnic tables,” she said. “We got to have coffee underneath the [new] shade for the first time, and it was very nice.”
One challenge in the planning stage was trying to figure out how to angle the structure to not block the mural on the shed, she said.
“He had to figure that out, and he did just that,” she said. “I didn’t know what it was going to look like, but it looks amazing.”
To build the structure, Gabe Campbell had help from a local equipment rental company to haul in the wood cylinders. He also had help from an engineer, he said.
“It was hard to get the poles level once they were in the ground,” he said. “As far as maintenance, we may have to tighten the top part since it can get a little loose.”
They are grateful they got to help the garden, Sam Campbell said. He hopes it will be an area many people will use.
“Now they can have their classes or groups out there,” he said. “I hope they enjoy it.”
Since the project is now complete, Gabe Campbell will have a final board review to receive recognition as an Eagle Scout.
The Giving Garden plans to host a ribbon cutting for the shade structure. Guthrie said they are always welcoming volunteers of any age.
“We would love any help,” she said. “We are actively looking for volunteers. We have a few other projects that could definitely be an Eagle Scout project.”
Reach reporter Maya Smith at [email protected].