Austin chose Bodkin as the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout Project because both of his parents, brother and he all attended Bodkin. He wanted to give back to the teachers and to the school that had such a large impact on his life.
An Eagle Scout project is much more than just using construction skills to build something. An Eagle Scout project must be a scout led project that demonstrates the leadership skills of the Eagle candidate. Austin had to create the concept, design the seating area, get approvals, create a budget, recruit volunteers and fundraise, and then, lead his team of volunteers and create a successful project. It took 26 volunteers over 300 man hours to measure, cut, assemble and install the Outdoor Classroom. All volunteers, except for Austin’s immediate family, were scouts or adult leaders from Troop 412.
Austin decided to use composite lumber to build the outdoor classroom because Bodkin is a Green School and the plastic composite lumber will hold up for years to come. He hopes that the outdoor classroom will be used by students and staff and it will inspire Bodkin students to enjoy, value and protect the outdoors.