BRANDON BLAKE'S EAGLE SCOUT TRAIL Version 17-Apr-04, Text = C248BB.TXT, Images = C248BB **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula - nn8nn Seneca, SC, USA Oconee County SC GenWeb Coordinator Oconee County SC GenWeb Homestead http://www.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/oconee.html **************************************************************** o----------o TROOP 235 Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook Scout's name: Brandon Blake District: Oconee/Clemson Local council: Blue Ridge Council Unit leader's name: Vic Shelburne Address: 509 Plantation Rd., Seneca, SC Telephone No.: 864-654-1776 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Describe in general the project you plan to do: My project is the restoration of an extremely old gravesite and the re-fencing of its boundary. All tree and leaf debris that is lying around and any dead trees still standing will be removed and hauled off. The second part of this restoration will be to find and mark as many of the graves as possible. When all of the interior work is done, Research Farm Services will install a new fence around the graveyard. What group will benefit from the project? Clemson University and the general public Name of religious institution, school, or community: Clemson University Telephone No.: 864-656-3311 Street address: City: Clemson State: SC Zip code: 29634 My project will be of benefit to the group because: It will provide access to an historic part of the Clemson community and allow people to learn more about the area before Clemson University was established. This concept was discussed with my unit leader on (Date): November 27, 2002 The project concept was discussed with the following representative of the group that will benefit from the project. Representative's Name: Mr. Garland Veasey Representative's Title: Manager, Crop & Equipment Services Phone No.: 864-656-3477 Date of meeting: December 18, 2002 PROJECT DETAILS Plan your work by describing the present condition, the method, tasks assigned to project helpers, a time schedule for carrying out the project and materials (see form below) to be used. Describe any safety hazards you might face, and explain how you will ensure the safety of those carrying out the project. If appropriate, include photographs of the area before you begin your project. Providing before-and-after photographs of your project area can give a clear example of your effort. Description: The project will be done in four main steps. First, all of the fallen trees, leaves, and any dead trees that are standing will be removed and hauled off. Next, we will decide whether to remove any more ground matter or leave it in place. Then, as many of the graves as possible will be located and marked. Grave location will be done with rebar being pushed or hammered into the ground every so often until we find something that could be a grave. It will then be marked temporarily with PVC pipe. Finally, the graves will be mapped on a sheet of paper and marked with numbers. A metal number plate will be put on each grave according to the map. Adults will be present during all phases of the project to insure safety. There will be instruction on the proper use of the tools being used, what is to be moved and what is not to be disturbed, and the disposal of the debris removed. The fourth and final step of the project is the erection of a sign on the outside of the fence explaining the history of the gravesite. The sign will be put up by older scouts with knowledge in the use of the necessary tools. The fencing project will be done by the Research Farms Services. During the course of the project, research will be done on the history of the gravesite. Tools Needed: Part I * Leaf Rakes * Hand Saws * Chainsaw * Clippers Part II * Rebar * Hammers Part III * Hammers Part IV * Posthole Diggers "Before" Images: See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image003.jpg The cemetery is located on Clemson University property on Old Cherry Road at the Morgan Poultry Center. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image005.jpg The cemetery is located beyond the locked gates behind the chicken houses. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image007.jpg The cemetery is covered by leaves with numerous dead limbs and trees. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image009.jpg An old 3-strand barbed wire fence surrounds the location of the grave site. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image011.jpg Headstone of Mrs. Hannah Reese, 49 years old. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image013.jpg Headstone of Loutilda Thompson, 2 years old. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image015.jpg The third headstone only contains the initials T.E.M. Approval Signatures for Project Plan Project plans were reviewed and approved by: Religious institution, school, or community representative: _________________________________ Date: ___________ _________________________________ Date: ___________ Scoutmaster/Coach/Advisor: _________________________________ Date: ___________ Unit committee member: _________________________________ Date: ___________ Council or district advancement committee member: _________________________________ Date: ___________ IMPORTANT NOTE: You may proceed with your leadership project only when you have.... * Completed all the above planning details * Shared the project plans with the appropriate persons * Obtained approval from the appropriate persons CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT Record the progress of your project. Keep a record of how much time you spend planning and carrying out the project. List who besides yourself worked on the project, the days they worked, the number of hours they worked each day, and the total length of time others assisted on the project. If appropriate, list the type and cost of any materials required to complete the project. If your original project plan changes at any time, be sure and document what the change was and the reason for the change. Narrative of the Project (Day by day and hour by hour if possible): February 1, 2003 - First, we flagged the barbed wire fence so that no one would trip over it. Then, we removed all dead tree debris from the ground and cut down all dead and unneeded trees that were standing. Last, we raked leaves off half of the cemetery plot. February 3, 2003 - I cut 88 one foot pieces of PVC pipe to be used to mark rocks in the graveyard and 4 five foot pieces to be used as extras. February 8, 2003 - First, we raked leaves off the other half of the cemetery and re-raked parts that needed it. Next, we marked all of the rocks that we found with the PVC pipes. We ran out of pipe, so we cut more from the extra I had brought and also from some that was at the poultry center. Then, we cut roots and stumps out of the ground and put them into the pile with all of the tree debris. After that, we cut up some of the trees that we had cut down and hauled off the logs to be used as firewood for the troop. Lastly, we made a trail from the dirt road (behind the cemetery) to the front corner of the cemetery. April 17, 2003 - First, we removed the old barbed wire fence. We took the wire off the posts and rolled it up and then we pulled the posts out of the ground and piled them (along with the barbed wire) beside the dirt road to be hauled off. Next, we dug two foot holes at each corner of the cemetery for the eight foot corner posts. Then, we put the corner posts (5" diameter, 8' long treated posts) in the holes, mixed up two bags of cement (for each hole) and poured it into the hole to hold the post. April 18, 2003 - First, we put the T-tape (the fencing wire that we used) up from corner post to corner post. Then, we put up a total of 10 T-posts between the corner posts near where the original fence posts had been. Finally, we connected the T-tape to the T-posts with T-tape clamps. May 24, 2003 - First, we re-cleaned the site of any new tree debris that had fallen. Next, we cut down any small, insignificant trees. Then, we laid out a grid pattern on the site by running string every 10 feet across the plot making 10 foot by 10 foot square grids. A map was then drawn marking the grave sites, trees, and rocks that were left marked with PVC pipe that didn't appear to marking grave sites. September 16, 2003 - We marked the position for holes to be punched in the #11 gauge stainless steel posts (2" x 3') to mount the aluminum plates (1 1/2 " x 5"). We also applied the number decals to the aluminum plates. September 18, 2003 - We punched 3/16" holes in the stainless steel posts with a turret punch. September 21, 2003 - We pop riveted the aluminum number plates to the stainless steel posts using 5/32" diameter, .250 length aluminum rivets and an air-driven rivet gun. September 25, 2003 - We re-cleaned the site again, removing all limbs and leaves. We then put 65 markers in the ground to identify potential grave sites. The posts were driven 1 1/2 feet into the ground with a hand-made iron post driver supplied by Research Farm Services. This was the final step in my Eagle Scout Project. Hours I Spent Working on the Project The length of time spent should be as adequate as is necessary for you to demonstrate your leadership of two or more individuals in planning and carrying out your project. Hours I spent ... Planning the project: 4 Carrying out the project: 25 Total hours I spent working on the project: 29 Hours Spent by Scouts, Venturers, or Other Individuals Working on the Project Name Date No. of Hours Russell Hedden February 1, 2003 3 hrs. Omar Haque February 1, 2003 2 hrs. 15 min Michael Fadel February 1, 2003 4 hrs. 30 min Will Carr February 1, 2003 4 hrs. 30 min Austin Rampey February 1, 2003 4 hrs. 30 min Michael Steadings February 8, 2003 4 hrs. 45 min Michael Fadel February 8, 2003 4 hrs. 45 min Omar Haque February 8, 2003 2 hrs. 20 min Nathan Weaver February 8, 2003 4 hrs. 50 min Alark Patel February 8, 2003 5 hrs. 30 min Liam Scott February 8, 2003 5 hrs. 30 min Stevens Shuler February 8, 2003 5 hrs. 30 min Benjamin Adams February 8, 2003 5 hrs. 30 min Joey Weir February 8, 2003 5 hrs. 30 min James Cox February 8, 2003 5 hrs. 30 min Eric Adelburg February 8, 2003 5 hrs. 30 min Zachary Jeffers April 17, 2003 3 hrs. 40 min Abram Rampey April 17, 2003 3 hrs. 20 min Steven Jeffers April 17, 2003 3 hrs. 10 min Austin Rampey April 18, 2003 1 hr. 30 min Abram Rampey April 18, 2003 1 hr. 30 min Russell Hedden April 18, 2003 2 hrs. Zachary Jeffers April 18, 2003 1 hr. 15 min Steven Jeffers May 24, 2003 2 hrs. 30 min Will Carr May 24, 2003 2 hrs. 30 min Total number of hours others worked on the project: 96 For a grand total, add the total number of hours you spent on the project to the total number of hours others worked on the project: 125 Changes List any changes made to the original project plan and explain why those changes were made. A sign was not erected since we were unable to determine the origin of the gravesite. "After" Images: See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image017.jpg All fallen leaves and limbs were cleared from the cemetery. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image019.jpg Crew from day 1 of clearing leaves, limbs, and trees. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image021.jpg Cutting 1 foot sections of PVC pipe to mark rocks. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image023.jpg All rocks were marked with PVC pipe as potential grave sites. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image025.jpg Crew from day 2 of clearing debris and marking rocks with PVC pipe. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image027.jpg Cementing posts for new fence and gate. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image029.jpg Crew from day 3 of cementing fence posts. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image031.jpg Running T-strap fencing around perimeter of cemetery. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image033.jpg Attaching T-strap fencing to T-posts. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image035.jpg Drilling holes for gate. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image037.jpg Completion of fencing (with gate) around cemetery on day 4. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image039.jpg Removing spring weeds from cemetery. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image041.jpg Laying out grids for mapping location of graves on day 5. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image043.jpg 10 foot by 10 foot grids laid out for mapping graves. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image045.jpg Punching holes in stainless steel posts for number plates. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image047.jpg Pop riveting number plates to stainless steel grave marking posts. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image049.jpg Pounding grave marking posts into the ground. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image051.jpg Posts were 3 feet long and were placed 1 1/2 feet into the ground. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image053.jpg Graves marked and numbered. See image at http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/sc/oconee/cemeteries/pmk/c248bb/image055.jpg Final shot of the grave of Hannah Reese. Including photographs of your completed project (along with the "before" photographs with the project description) helps present a clearer overall understanding of your effort. Special Thanks I would like to thank Mr. Garland Veasey, Associate Director of Research Farm Services, for his support throughout my project and for providing many of the materials needed. I would also like to thank Mr. Harold Turner in the Research Farm Services shop for getting the stainless markers cut and for making the driver to pound the posts into the ground. Approvals for Completed Project Start date of project: February 1, 2003 Completion date of project: September 26, 2003 The project was started and has been completed since I received the Life Scout rank, and is respectfully submitted for consideration. Applicant's signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________ This project was planned, developed, and carried out by the candidate. Signature of Scoutmaster/Coach/Advisor: _________________________________ Date: ___________ Signature of the representative of religious institution, school, or community: _________________________________ Date: ___________ _________________________________ Date: ___________ By: Brandon Blake o----------o EAGLE COURT OF HONOR Troop 235 Boy Scouts of America Clemson, South Carolina PRESENTATION OF EAGLE SCOUT AWARD: BRANDON JAMES BLAKE son of James and Becky Blake FORT HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2 February 2004 PROGRAM: Opening - Junior Leaders Welcome - Bill Foster INVOCATION: Eagle Scout Trail - Vic Shelburne Awarding the Eagle - Vic Shelburne Eagle Scout Challenge - Vic Shelburne Closing - David Leininger, Senior Patrol Leader, Noah Welsh & Bugler BRANDON BLAKE'S EAGLE TRAIL Birth Date: March 30, 1986 SCOUTING HISTORY: Scout: April 1997 Tenderfoot: September 1997 Second Class: March 1998 First Class: October 1998 Star: September 1999 Life: May 2000 Eagle: October 2003 TROOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS: Assistant Patrol Leader Patrol Leader Patrol and Troop Quartermaster Den Chief, Chaplain Aide Instructor, Troop Guide, JASM Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Senior Patrol Leader TOTAL NIGHTS CAMPING: 136 SERVICE PROJECT HOURS: (not including Eagle project): 143 EAGLE PROJECT: Restoration of a Slave Cemetery on Clemson University Land MERIT BADGES: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Environmental Science, Emergency Preparedness, Personal Management Soil and Water Conservation, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Wood Carving Weather, Camping, Swimming, Personal Fitness, Family Life, Indian Lore, Leatherwork, Fingerprinting, Mammal Study, Sculpture, Canoeing, First Aid, Communications, Art, Atomic Energy, Basketry, Climbing, Forestry, Hiking, Textile, SELECTED HONORS AND ACTIVITIES: Scouts: Order of the Arrow, Ordeal Member Ashley Dearing Campership Philmont High Adventure, 2001, Northern Tier High Adventure, Canada, Crew Leader, 2002 DANIEL HIGH SCHOOL: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (leader 1 year), FCA Leadership Camp, Beta Club, Interact Club, Clemson University Biology Merit Exam (honorable mention) 2003, Palmetto Boy's State 2003, JV Soccer goalkeeper 2000-2002, Varsity Soccer goalkeeper 2002-2003 (3A State Champions 2003). COMMUNITY: East Clemson Baptist Church Audio/Visual Technician, Servant Team Leader in Youth Group, Usher, Boy's Club Leader, active in youth services, Bible studies, and retreats, World Changers Mission Trip By: Brandon Blake o---------- TO SOAR WITH EAGLES The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank that can be earned within the Boy Scouts of America organization. It requires considerable perseverance to get there, and only can be achieved through commitment and hard work! Once achieved, the Eagle Scout is recognized by his peers and community as having achieved something very significant - something few individuals achieve during their lifetime. It's interesting to note that there are numerous college scholarships available just for Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scout rank requirements: * Must be active in a position of responsibility within his troop and patrol * for at least 6 months as a Life Scout. * Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law in his every day * life. * Earn a total of 21 required merit badges - 10 more than he already has. * Scouts having a permanent physical or mental disability, are allowed to * fulfill this requirement by using alternate merit badge types. * While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in an * approved service project. * Successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review. The Path to Becoming an Eagle Scout is often a daunting task for many Scouts. This is the point-in-time when the Eagle starts asking questions of his peers and researching what other Eagles have done in the past. Basically an Eagle Scout Service Project is any project which benefits their local community and must be for a non-profit organization. Many a service project dies at this stage or is significantly altered in order to better comply with project guidelines. Eagle Projects are an exercise in organization, leadership and record keeping. If the Scout is lacking in any of these skills, it will become readily apparent as his project progresses. However, peer guidance is always available to the Scout. This troop leader can help the Scout choose a project, determine what needs to be done in the planning stage, and help get the write-up ready for district approval. After a possible project has been chosen, it is time to begin the detail planning and the initial write-up, which will be submitted for approval. * Project Description * Who Will Benefit * Planning Details * Construction Plans, Drawings & Designs * Materials Needed * Tools Needed * Work Schedule * Scout & Adult Helpers * Financial Cost Estimate * Fund Raising Plan * Transportation Needed Once project approval has been given, the hard work has just begun. During the project, the Scout must keep very good notes on everything that done. They will cover what work was done, who did the work, and how much time they spent doing it. As well as materials, supplies, tools, money spent, etc. The taking of photographs during each project phase is also suggested. Once the physical work has been completed, it's time to do the paperwork. It's amazing how many Scouts will do outstanding projects, only to let the paperwork languish for months. Some Eagle Scout candidates never get to their write-up and graduate out of Scouting as Life Scouts. Sad but true. When the project is "formally" finished, some Scouts feel that they should have done things differently. By documenting what went right, what went wrong, and what should be changed helps to put the entire project experience in perspective. It's this experience that will help guide future Eagle candidates towards achieving their Eagle Scout goal. It's this perspective that will help the new Eagle achieve all his goals in life. The B.S.A. Blue Ridge Council serves 8 South Carolina counties that includes Oconee. * Over 14,700 registered Scouts * Over 3,400 adult volunteers * 470 Packs, Troops & Posts It's interesting to note: * Of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, it must be confessed that * thirty will normally drop out in their first year. Perhaps this may be * regarded as a failure, but later in life, all of these will remember that * they had been in Scouting and will speak well of the program. * Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile * court judge. Twelve of the one hundred will be from families that belong * to no church. Through Scouting, these twelve and many of their families * will be brought into contact with a church and will continue to be active * all their lives. Six of the 100 will become pastors. * Each of the one hundred will learn something from Scouting, and all will * develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the rest of their lives. * Approximately one-half will serve in the military and in varying degrees, * profit from their Scout training. At least one will use it to save another * person's life, and many may credit it for saving their own. * Four of the one hundred will reach the Eagle Scout rank, and at least one will later say that he valued his Eagle above his college degree. Many * will find their future vocation through merit badge work and Scouting * contacts. Seventeen of the one hundred boys will become adult leaders and * will give leadership to thousands of additional boys. * One in four boys in America will become Scouts, but it is interesting to * know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion and * politics, three out of four were Scouts. Approximately 100 graves have now been identified, and marked with PVC pipe or a stainless-steel numbered post. Brandon has prepared a cemetery layout drawing that shows exactly where the graves are located. This information will now be preserved in several Genealogy Archives for future reference. Now that this task has been completed, Brandon will formally become an Eagle Scout in December of this year. In summarizing this event, I'm sure that the following poem does an excellent job in describing how Eagle Scout Brandon will feel during his Court of Honor award ceremony. Should you ever see Brandon, shake his hand and congratulate him on his achievement. TODAY I AM AN EAGLE The Old Ones tell of the nest Of the sacred bird called the Eagle Home for her eaglets sits high, Touching the sky. A mother sits proud and defiant, She has little ones who will soon leave her, She worries; The morning has come, The Mysterious One's rays warm her children's faces. Today one will fly or fall: A flap of wings, a screech of power, He leaps, he is gone. His head does not look back There is sadness behind. He flies east his wings flapping power, He passes his cousins of the air, HE HAS BECOME AN EAGLE (Poem By: Howard Rainer, Taos-Creek Troop) By: Paul Kankula o----------o