Eagle Scout Project in Palatine: Barb's Precious Rescue and Adoption Center

A teenager from Palatine is in the process of earning his Eagle Scout rank by planning and executing on several projects at Barb's Precious Rescue and Adoption Center in Palatine. Barb's is a community pet shelter which opened in September of last year. The facility is located at 313 N. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL.

Cal Kirchner, 15, Palatine, will be a sophomore at Palatine High School this fall. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 188, which meets at Christ Lutheran Church. The scoutmaster is Mr. Ken Jackson.

The first part of the Eagle project involves building some cat towers and cat boxes for the cats to use for climbing and exercise purposes. The second part of the project is planning an Open House at the Adoption Center. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27th, from Noon to 5 PM. All in the community are welcome. RSVPs are not required. This is a great opportunity to meet and greet the volunteers, as well as with the many cats available for adoption. Light refreshments and facility tours will also be available. Donations are welcome. The Adoption Center is in need of: cat food, cat litter, old blankets, towels, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.

Thus far, Cal has been busy organizing the event. He created flyers and distributed them across town in local coffee shops, veterinarian offices, libraries, etc. He has also collaborated to get announcements out to the local newspapers and on the internet. Cal has arranged for fellow scouts to assist with the Open House.

The idea to arrange a project around the needs of a local pet shelter is a very personal one for Cal. Cal's own cat, an American short hair, recently passed away. Cal researched several pet shelters in the immediate area before selecting to work with Barb's Precious Rescue and Adoption Center. Cal indicated that he spoke directly with the pet shelter owner, Barb Weber, who was very supportive of the idea from their initial meeting.

Cal has earned 28 merit badges thus far, and has two more in process, in advance of working on this Eagle Scout project. In addition to scouting, Cal enjoys watching sports, playing video games and meeting with friends. He also is a member of the football team at Palatine High School.

Additional information on the Adoption Center and the flyer for this Open House event are available at barbspreciousrescue.org.