WAYNESBORO—The timing couldn’t be better for Ethan Brandt’s upcoming Eagle Scout project – the construction of a footbridge on the western bank of Little Antietam Creek at Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro.
The 17-year-old Fayetteville teen said he emailed a couple of parks and “Renfrew had the best idea for a project. This area on Antietam Trail often floods after significant rainfall, making for a difficult journey along the path.”
“Our staff had already been considering this as part of development at the Renfrew Mill site,” according to Becky LaBarre, Renfrew’s executive director and CEO. The area becomes soggy due to a depression left by a historic mill race spillway, “so the footbridge will help immensely in providing an elevated, dry path for Renfrew’s visitors,” she added.
“Renfrew has a long history of working with Eagle Scout candidates to complete special projects on our grounds,” said LaBarre. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with young people like Ethan to install amenities at Renfrew that the whole community can enjoy.”
In addition to providing service and fulfilling the part of the Scout Oath, “To help other people at all times,” one of the primary purposes of the Eagle Scout service project is to learn leadership skills, or to improve or demonstrate leadership skills you already have, according to information included in Ethan’s proposal outline in the project workbook.
The cost of the $1,200 project includes supplies such as solid oak lumber of various sizes, lag bolts and spike nails to complete the 14-feet long by 5-feet wide bridge and safety railing, noted Ethan, son of Richard and Heather Brandt. A member of Troop 136 in the Conococheague District, Ethan joined the Cub Scouts in second grade. Ethan said his father, who is an Eagle Scout, encouraged him to take on the endeavor. “And I have a couple friends doing it. That’s what’s kept me going.”
Assisting in Ethan’s effort will be troop members and family, as well as Renfrew’s buildings and grounds manager Gene Kelley.
The senior at Chambersburg Area Senior High School enjoys kayaking and camping, with the Boy Scouts and just camping in general. “I have had so many great experiences with scouting along with learning many valuable life lessons,” he said.
As part of the requirements to earn his Eagle Scout rank, Ethan must raise the funds to complete the project. Those wishing to help support the project can donate online via the museum’s secure portal at www.renfrewmuseum.org/eaglescoutproject, by cash, check or credit card in person at the Visitors Center, or by mailing a check to Renfrew Museum and Park, 1010 E. Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268, with “Eagle Scout Project” on the memo.
