Egale Scout Project Helps FUMC Preschool
A local Arlington Heights Boy Scout is using his Eagle Scout Project to give back to the preschool he attended thirteen years ago. Philip Geraghty, a Life Scout in Troop 132, is building six sensory tables and a new changing table for the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights Preschool/We-e Care. (The church is located at 1903 E. Euclid Avenue). In addition to being an alum of the preschool, he is also a member of the church. The First United Methodist Church is the Charter Organization for his scout troop.
Philip started his Project last October, after months of planning and paperwork he was able to start fundraising. He held a Pasta Dinner at the church and through the generous support of his church, family, the preschool families and many friends he was able to raise the money to start his project. He also received support from Hellar Lumber, Owl Lumber and Rockler Woodworkers.
He organized three work dates at his home in order to tear down the old tables and recycle what he could. New wood was cut, stained, and polyurethaned. Philip assembled the tables on July 14th at the church. His volunteer hours are well over 200. He received assistance from friends, family, scouts, adult scout leaders and his grandfather. His grandfather helped him in the designing of the tables and cutting of the larger sections of wood. Scouts are not allowed to use power tools so this was a big help. Working side by side with his grandfather was a great learning experience for Philip and the other scouts.
From start to finish an Eagle Project can take almost a year to complete. Planning, committee approvals, designs, fundraising, work dates and lots of paper work. Everything must be documented and then presented in a binder for careful examination and approval by the local council, troop committees and National Boy Scouts of America. Once approved by all, Troop 132 will lead a final Board of Review to confirm the rank of Eagle. This all must happen before a scout turns eighteen.