Eagle Scout Project
Eagle Scout Project
Eagle Scout Project
Description
I will be constructing two benches to be used at the Newport Beach Environmental Nature
Center. The benches will ultimately replace one pre-existing bench which the ENC refers to as
the “waterfall” bench, and a location in need of a bench. The existing bench is antiquated, and is
seeing signs of structural degeneration, and the second location is near a large map where
seating would be ideal, so the need for a new bench in both locations is evident.
The bench should be able to reasonably fit 3-4 adults safely and comfortably. The bench must
also fit into its natural surroundings, meaning it should be composed of eco-friendly materials
and be natural colors (greens and browns) that mix well with the ENC campus.
I will be building a bench similar in scale to benches already existing across the ENC campus,
with dimensions roughly six feet wide, 32 inches in height, and 20 inches in depth.
I have spent a lot of time with a Mr. Mark Maeseele, the acting ENC's Eagle Scout coordinator
and store manager*, who initially presented the need to have one bench replaced and one
additional bench. This need has also been expressed by the ENC in the attached letter of need.
The current bench is in “bad need of repair” and the new bench is especially needed given the
over “16,000 students” expected in the coming school year. With all those students who will use
the benches, it is of the utmost importance that the benches be of a safe build and design.
The current bench is showing signs of falling apart, in this way my bench will add to the safety of
the campus. Given the center's recently remodeled buildings and modern appeal, replacing the
current bench's outdated design with a new bench will also serve to enhance the aesthetic
appeal of the ENC.
The second location is in the far back of the center, and adjacent to a large map and description
of special aspects of the ENC. A bench here will allow visitors to take a break while they learn
about the park.
I have attached initial sketches done by design architect, Mr. Donnie DeWees,* that outline the
visual look, estimated dimensions, and structural issues of the bench design. I have
supplemented his drawings with 3D models created using Google SketchUp which better
illustrate the look of the bench as a whole, and offer finite dimensions.
Each Trex beam will be attached to the frame with eight screws, two at each bench support,
making for a total of 40 screws. The screws will be 3” long composite screws preferably from
Grip Rite. Three inch screws will pass through the 1 1/2” deep Trex beams and go 1 1/2” into
the 4x4 beam beneath, making the beams solidly secured.
The 4x4 pressure treated logs will be purchased from Home Depot, and also cut on site to my
specifications (see below). The pressure treated wood as well as Trex pieces are termite
resistant, so should be long-lasting. Both of these materials were requested as the “preferred”
materials by the ENC.
In Figure 1 to the right, I have labeled the three pressure treated beams which will compose the
support structure, as A, B, and C.
Beam A will be attached to beam B by a 3/8” diameter lag bolt 6” long. It will
drive through starting on beam B and going into beam A, and will be slightly
recessed into beam B so as to provide a flush top to attach the Trex seats. A washer will be
used in the recession.
Beam B will be attached to beam C with the use of two 3/8” diameter by 3” long lag bolts and an
Lastly, a rear inner-side flat joint piece will be nailed on to more securely connect the rear posts
with the forward section. This addition counteracts any force pushing the rear posts down, which
makes the frame want to separate.
With each bolt having a 3/8” diameter, all drilling will be done with 1/4” bits, which is two sizes
down from 3/8”.
Total $334.64
Project Helpers
• Donnie DeWees – design architect who helped with designs, and supplied tools
• John Perfect – go-to man for technical questions
• Barrett Steele – engineering advice
Item # of Hours
Researching projects 3
Researching 10
- Looking at bench designs
- Meeting with architect
- Trips to Home Depot and Ganahl lumber
Fund raising 3
Buying materials 4
Organizing volunteers 2
Total 108
Signing in Everyone 1
Drilling 5 20
• A total of 24 holes must be drilled of
varying lengths from 3 to 6 inches
Sanding 10 10
• All exposed pressure-treated wood will
need to be sanded before sealant is
applied
Breaks 15 5
Total 1185
Total (counting those who will be there full time) 3515 ≈ 58 hours
Safety for all those involved will be a top priority in the building process. I've taken a number of
precautions to ensure that making the bench in my garage is a safe process for all involved.
Everyone on site will be informed of where certain things like safety kits are, where the
Emergency card is located, where a phone is located.
Adult Supervision
Given the nature of the project, working with power tools and heavy objects, it is best that at
least one parent be present at all times. The “always there” adult will be my step-dad because
he works at home. We have phones for emergency calls.
Dehydration / Hunger
Considering volunteers may be on-site for multiple hours, food and water needs must be
considered. A water pitcher with cooled water as well as snacks will be available for participants.
Total 36.37
Fundraising
I sent letters to family and friends asking for donations to my Eagle Project fund. The
response was very generous, and I was able to cover my estimated costʼs quite easily.
Name Amount
1 Dennis and Charlene Ashendorf $100.00
2 Dave and Jan Berner $50.00
3 Jon Ceretto $20.00
4 John and Phyllis Perfect $100.00
5 Jeff and Michelle Pinchot $50.00
6 Martha Pine $50.00
7 Mike and Lou Sheehan $25.00
8 Barrett and Bev Steele $25.00
9 Brad and Cyndi Terry $30.00
10 Neil and Kim Titus $25.00
11 Rob and Cindy Trantow $50.00
Total Donated $525.00
On the next two pages are a copy of the fundraising letter sent and a copy of the thank
you letter sent to those who donated.
David Lin 6
Peter Schreyer 5
Aaron Varasteh 6
Peter Schreyer 6
Cahill Maffei 5
Christopher Nguyen 5
Austin Quon 2
Josiah Phan 2
Christopher Nguyen 4
Peter Schreyer 4
Donald Ghazi 3
Jack Mulcaire 3
Total 80.5
Total $507.14
The estimated cost of the project was building materials ($334.64) + safety purchases
($36.37) multiplied by tax, and equals $403.47.
The actual cost of the project was materials + safety purchases + food = $551.51.
Making the difference between estimated and actual = $551.51 – $403.47 = $148.04
In my original estimate I had forgotten to factor food, part of the reason why there is a
somewhat large difference.
The difference between amount fundraised and project cost = $551.51 – $525 = $26.51,
which was absorbed by my bank account.
Changes
The only change to my design was the addition of a rectangular square metal piece
which connected the rear vertical 4x4 beam and the only horizontal 4x4 beam. This was
necessary to allow the bench to handle larger pressures, and keep the backrest from
tilting away from the seat. The change is only visible from the rear.
Item # of Hours
Total 150