When Boy Scout Kyle Carmody needed an idea for his Eagle Scout Service Project, his thoughts turned to his church in Washington, D.C., and its little-used and unattractive courtyard. “I choose to refurbish the Capital Memorial Church’s courtyard because it needed some attention,” said Carmody. “I wanted to make the courtyard an inviting space where people could enjoy fellowshipping with one another.”
By Jacquie Bokow
The purpose of the service project is to give a Boy Scout an opportunity to plan, develop, and give leadership to others. Carmody first presented his idea to Pastor C.J.
Capital Memorial courtyard before Carmody and volunteers began renovation.
Yoon and his Eagle Scout Coordinator in February, which was approved in March. Two months of serious planning followed.
Carmody started raising funds and seeking donations from businesses. Within a month, he started the physical labor and had recruited a total of 55 volunteers, who donated about 500 hours of labor, to help him complete the project. The crumbling concrete moat was broken up and removed and a thick bed of mulch spread. A long, angled bench, plus three round wooden picnic tables that each seat eight, were stained and assembled. Stepping stones were laid atop the mulch. Soil amendments were made to the garden beds and dozens of flowering plants purchased and put in place.
Volunteers donated about 500 hours of labor to help Carmody complete his project.
The transformation was complete in time for Capital Memorial’s largest outreach event, its International Vegetarian Food Fair this fall. The hundreds of attendees, especially the children, made good use of the fine weather and beautiful courtyard—eating, chatting and climbing the trees. The refurbished courtyard continues to be a gathering spot for church members and visitors.
For Carmody —who’s been participating steadily in Scouting since fourth grade—to become an Eagle Scout, his project must be evaluated by the Eagle Scout Board of Review on the benefit to the organization being served and the leadership he provided. The Scout must provide evidence of organized planning and development of the project. “The Eagle Scout Project was one of the hardest things I have ever done,” confided Carmody. “I learned a lot about myself and others during the project. In the beginning, I wasn’t comfortable talking to and asking for help from others. I didn’t think people would listen or be interested in what I had to say and be willing to help with my project. This project taught me that people can be very generous and willing to help if you just tell them what you need and ask for their help. I am grateful for all of the volunteers that contributed to the success of the project. “
Courtyard renovations were completed just in time for Capital Memorial’s biggest outreach event.
Carmody, a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., had his Eagle Board of Review earlier this month. He and his family received word that his project has been accepted. His paperwork has been sent to the Boy Scouts National Headquarters and Kyle Carmody should have his Eagle Certificate before the end of the year.
