Eagle Scout Project

Patrick Lee’s Eagle Scout Project

Over the years, the Closter Nature Center has been the recipient of projects completed by Boy Scouts attempting to become "Eagle Scouts". This recognition is not come by easily, it is something the Scouts earn by building skills and learning how to become leaders. By building a bridge at the Nature Center, Patrick Lee earned the right to be called an "Eagle Scout", the highest rank in scouting. 

Here is a copy of Patrick Lee's presentation to the Board of Trustees.

Good evening board members, leaders, scouts, and parents.

My name is Patrick Lee and I would like to thank the Nature Center for allowing me to complete my final steps toward Eagle Scout here at the nature center. The Nature Center holds a special place in my childhood. When I was a little boy I would spend a lot of time here fishing and attending camps, I especially enjoyed the fishing derbies. For my project, we replaced the main bridge. The previous bridge has been there for as long as I could remember, and it needed to be replaced. The new bridge now has steps for easier access, a handrail & is much sturdier.

 I would especially like to thank Mr. Gussen, working with him was a great experience. A special thank you to Mr. Mattes, who has been my leader since the first day of cub scouts in first grade, all the way up to Eagle Scout in my senior year of high school.  Also thank you to Dr. Baron, who worked with me every step of the way throughout my project. Thank you to the scouts, parents, and leaders who helped on my work days, and generously donated time, energy, efforts, and funds to my project, without them this wouldn’t happen. And a huge thank you to my Father and Grandfather for helping and teaching me the carpentry side of this project. Additionally a thank you for the Sapper family for creating this giant check, of which is the remaining funds of my fundraising efforts for the bridge. I am proudly able to donate $730.15 to the Closter Nature Center, so that it can continue to be a special place for other Closter children as they grow up.