Extreme Makeovers, Round 43: Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos

This is the 43rd in an occasional series where I share Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos. See the complete collection here and submit your own here.


To fully understand the impact Eagle Scout projects have on communities, you need to see to believe. That’s why I asked to see Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos — the same photos prospective Eagles are asked to include with their post-project report.

The latest batch of 11 projects — from 11 different states — includes a renovated baseball complex in Arkansas, new arboretum signage in New Jersey and an impressive prayer garden in Louisiana.

What’s great is that you can multiply each individual act of stupendous service by roughly 50,000. That’s how many Eagle Scout projects get completed every single year.

TIP: Click/tap and drag the slider below each image to see the change.

Alex from Arkansas

Who: Alex, Troop 41, Paris, Ark.

What: Alex and his helpers renovated the baseball complex at his school, Subiaco Academy. Alex and his troop, baseball teammates, family and friends contributed almost 500 hours — including painting, installing new metal siding and soffits, pouring concrete, and adding new fencing.


Joshua from Florida

Who: Joshua W., Troop 157, Niceville, Fla.

What: Joshua and his helpers worked with the P.E. coach from the Addie R. Lewis School in Valparaiso, Fla., which serves 754 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, to build a gaga ball pit for the students to use. The school is underfunded and in need of playground equipment. The project was provided at no cost to the school.


Madison from Indiana

Who: Madison H., Troop 219, Indianapolis, Ind.

What: Madison and her helpers restored a 50-year-old, 40-foot steel memorial cross in the bible garden of Acton United Methodist Church. The multiton cross was toppled by a combination of corrosion and vandalism. The team also planted new boxwood bushes and painted a fence.


Mark from Montana

Who: Mark W., Troop 1923, Bigfork, Mont.

What: Mark and his helpers created a sign for Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork. The sign allows the cemetery to post information and maps, making it easier for people to locate their loved ones and learn about the cemetery. Mark has spent many Memorial Day weekends with his troop placing flags on the graves of soldiers at this cemetery, and several of his relatives are buried there including his great-great-great-grandfather.


Ian from North Dakota

Who: Ian S., Troop 225, Fargo, N.D.

What: Ian and his helpers made a fire pit for his church, giving church youth and the congregation an outdoor space to enjoy.


Mckayla from Illinois

Who: Mckayla, Troop 9111, Elgin, Ill.

What: Mckayla and her helpers removed almost 12 tons of dirt and mulch from the playground. They then put down landscape fabric and six pallets of rubber mulch.


Sam from Wisconsin

Who: Sam, Troop 20, Delafield, Wis.

What: Sam’s church had a minimal bonfire ring that was only rarely used and had no seating. Sam and his helpers replaced the ring with a brick fire pit structure, including surrounding landscape fabric and crushed granite. They also built six benches, including one that converts to a table. The fire pit is now used regularly by the church, particularly for youth ministries. The brick structure makes the fire pit safer, and the landscaped area makes mowing easier.


Jack from New Jersey

Who: Jack, Troop 186, Whitehouse Station, N.J.

What: The Hunterdon County Arboretum in Lebanon was in desperate need of new signage. They wanted a sign that would be a bulletin board on one side and a pamphlet holder on the other. They also requested protection from harsh weather conditions. Jack and his helpers gave the arboretum exactly what leaders wanted — in impressive style.


Gregory from Louisiana

Who: Gregory, Troop 111, Tickfaw, La.

What: Gregory and his helpers built a prayer garden for the Grace Fellowship Baptist Church. The garden has custom concrete benches featuring Bible verses cast into the bench seats. The centerpiece is an 8-foot concrete cross, sloped to enhance its presence and impact on all those seeking solace, reflection and prayer. It provides visitors a place of emotional healing and spiritual renewal. The Scouts also added native plants and used sustainable materials to lessen the project’s impact on the planet.


Cole from Virginia

Who: Cole D., Troop 673, Great Fall, Va.

What: Cole and his 23 helpers raised $2,361.66 and secured more than $1,500 in donations to build an 8-by-8-foot sports equipment shed with a ramp for Seneca Ridge Middle School in Sterling, Va. The shed is located adjacent to the recess area and stores sports equipment for students. This project reduces the time it takes teachers to transport sports equipment from inside the school and results in more time for students to exercise and have fun during recess.


Rowan from California

Who: Rowan, Troop 1701, Indian Wells, Calif.

What: Rowan and his helpers upgraded the feral cat enclosure at a no-kill animal shelter by installing artificial turf, adding a shade screen, building cat boxes and creating an outdoor kit for play.


Eagle Before & After FAQs

How can I see more in this series?

By going here.

How can I submit my project (or my Scout’s project) for consideration?

Go here to learn how to send them to us.

Are scholarships available for outstanding Eagle projects?

Yes! The Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award honors outstanding Eagle projects.

An Eagle Scout, their parents or any registered BSA volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit the Eagle Scout service project for consideration by filling out the nomination form found here.

How can I see even more great Eagle projects?

Check out the Scout Life Eagle Project Showcase.

Who owns the photos used in this series?

Unless otherwise listed, all photos are courtesy of each Scout and their family.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.