Boy Scout Troop 479’s Sam Maroon developed and implemented a unique Eagle Project, guiding his fellow scouts in collecting 100 books-on-tape for the residents of Lakewood Manor in Waterville. His project was a three-step process, in addition to the standard Eagle project requirements: submitting his proposed project idea; securing the prior approval of his unit leader and unit committee; receiving approval from the district advancement committee and ending with a detailed report after completion of his project.

His first major task was to have his fellow scouts make and decorate donation boxes for books-on-tape. The scouts were instructed and given materials to make several donation boxes at a scouting weekend at the China Lake Conference Center. Scouts and scout leaders were asked to place donation boxes in nearby churches and libraries. Sam prepared pamphlets which were placed with each box to explain his Eagle Project. He received over 100 books-on-tape as well as cash donations. (Photo attached with Scout Sam Maroon and donation boxes)

His second task was to assemble the books-on-tape. He received a donation of 100 notebook-style cassette holders which each held 6 to 12 tapes. He invited the scouts to help transfer the books-on-tape to these notebooks. He provided detailed instructions for each step on the assembly line. Because the books-on-tape packages came in various sizes and number of tapes Sam used these notebooks to provide a uniform package for all the tapes. The front and back of the audio cassette boxes were inserted into the sleeves on the front and back of the notebooks. This information was also copied and added to a three-ring binder cataloging the tapes. (Photo attached) The binder also contained an index by author and by title. Residents can now peruse the binder, find a book they would like to listen to, and ask the nurse to log it out. Checkout cards were added to the back of each notebook. (Photo attached with assembly line and Scouts Sam Maroon, Aaron Keller and Steve Fletcher.)

The third step in the project was to build a cabinet to hold the 100 books-on-tape. He designed a cabinet to match the décor and style of Lakewood Manor. He asked for and received donations of the wood and glass used in the cabinet. He organized a group to sand and finish the wood necessary for the cabinet with the assistance of Erskine shop instructor, Chris Reynolds. The cabinet holds 25 notebooks on each shelf and two drawers were built to hold the cassette players and the three-ring binder cataloging the tapes. It was also built on wheels to allow the staff to move when needed.

His leadership skills were very apparent throughout the project as Sam guided his fellow scouts. The finished cabinet was delivered to activities director Penny Lagasse at Lakewood Manor. (Photo attached) This Eagle Project greatly benefited the staff and patients at Lakewood Manor.