Ben Szydlow stands with the rooster coop he constructed as an Eagle Scout project at Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue in Quakertown.
Note: The following information and photos are from a contributed news release.
On Saturday, Aug. 28 a 20-person volunteer party comprised of local Boy Scouts, Scout leaders, family and friends descended upon Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue in Quakertown to assist Ben Szydlow–a Saucon Valley High School student–with the completion of his Eagle Scout project.
The Eagle Scout Project is an opportunity for a Boy Scout to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a service project that benefits the community, and is the culmination of the Scout’s leadership training. It requires a significant effort on his part in terms of planning and completion, and is a requirement in order for Boy Scouts to attain the Eagle Scout rank.
Ben, a SVHS junior met, met with Last Chance Ranch manager Stephanie Lorenz before undertaking the project, which was when he learned that the organization needed a goat playground and a rooster coop.
Last Chance Ranch is a public, volunteer-operated, non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates abused, unwanted or neglected animals. Part of the shelter’s mission is to promote and educate the public about the humane and responsible treatment of animals.
“I am impressed with what the Ranch does to rescue and rehabilitate many different types of animals, not just dogs and cats,” Ben said. “The Ranch also saves horses, pigs, sheep and goats as well as a variety of birds. I wanted to use my project to help them with their mission.”
After much research, Ben created plans for a new rooster coop and a goat playground. He planned and organized teams of people to help find materials–much of it repurposed wood as well as an old cedar swing set–which served as the base for the goat playground.
“I learned a lot from this project,” Ben said. “Most importantly I learned the need to plan ahead, think through the project and work backwards from a due date, so as to try and make sure everything goes as smooth as possible. Also, I learned that people are very willing to assist and volunteer their time to work on projects that help others.”
Ben was anxious to complete his project before the start of classes so he could focus on school, cross country and prepping for the SAT.
Ben Szydlow pets a four-legged friend at the goat playground he built as an Eagle Scout project at Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue in Quakertown.
Ben Szydlow received help with his Eagle Scout project from other Boy Scouts, Scout leaders, friends and family members.
The roof of the goat playground goes up at Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue in Quakertown.
