Eagle Scout project benefits WINGS
On Sunday, November 16, 2014, Patrick Raymond Brand, was honored at a special Court of Honor for achieving the Eagle Scout Rank, Boy Scouting's highest honor. Patrick is a member of Boy Scout Troop 461, which is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 11981 in Inverness, Illinois.
The requirements for Eagle Scout are challenging and include earning at least 21 merit badges, 13 of which are Eagle specific, demonstrating leadership within the Troop, and living by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in daily life. In addition, the Eagle candidate must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, school, or community.
In choosing his Eagle Project, Patrick was looking for something unique. His father had been involved with the local United Way organization for several years, and Patrick learned about the many social service agencies it supported. After many inquiries, one agency responded - WINGS. Women in Need Growing Stronger is one of the largest domestic violence service and housing providers in the state of Illinois. Patrick began working with Coordinator of Children's Services, Adrienne Lewis, in June 2013 to develop his project. He created a formal proposal using 3D modeling software to design and build a sand tray with a custom storage cabinet as well as two dollhouses which would be utilized as play therapy tools for children. In addition, Patrick would also organize a collection of figures and small toys to be used with the sand tray and dollhouses.
Over several weekends last winter, Scouts and adults from Troop 461 along with his sisters and friends worked together in the Brand basement, logging over 130 hours to bring the project to fruition. Final delivery to WINGS in January was met with much gratitude. "Thanks to the hard work of Eagle Scout, Patrick Brand, we now have these amazing tools to help us serve the children in our safe house and housing program," offered Ms. Lewis. "The sand tray and doll houses will allow our child clients to create their own environments and explore issues in child friendly ways during counseling sessions. Children will have the opportunity to reenact events and imagine new possibilities while creating their own worlds. We are so appreciative of his hard work and can't wait to use the houses and sand tray with our wonderful clients!" When asked about the most rewarding part of being the leader, Patrick explained, "All the work that was put into this project and the completion of the project was rewarding. It was also great to see how happy everyone at WINGS was when they saw the completed project at the main office."
In his over five years in Boy Scouts, Patrick has earned 38 merit badges and served his troop in a variety of leadership roles. Patrick has served as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain's Aide, Order of the Arrow Representative, Troop Guide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. He has had the opportunity to build his leadership and life skills and has served many hours with the Knights of Columbus, Holy Family Parish, and the local community.
While exploring high adventure activities, he traveled to the backwoods of Canada for a canoeing and camping adventure in 2012 and participated in the National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia in 2013. He is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of Boy Scouts. All of these experiences have helped him mature into a more confident young man.
Patrick is a junior at William Fremd High School in Palatine and enjoys math and science. As an avid low brass musician, Patrick plays the euphonium and tuba in the school's highest concert band and the Viking Marching Band. He also enjoys the trombone, playing in the school's theater pit orchestra and the jazz band. Patrick was inducted into the National Honor Society last spring and recently achieved membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society.