Extreme Makeovers, Round 52: Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos

This is the 52nd entry in an occasional series in which we 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 we ask 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 10 projects — from six different states — includes building bridges, installing bee hotels and reconstructing a stage.

If your Scout is looking for ideas for his or her Eagle Scout project, you can show him or her this story or any in the Extreme Makeovers collection. You can also find ideas in Scout Life’s Eagle Project Showcase. Still stumped? Try the National Eagle Scout Association’s project idea generator.

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

Michael from Alabama

Who: Michael, Troop 21, Hoover, Alabama

What: Michael planned, coordinated and directed the construction of a frog pond and decomposer station for the Wildlife Gardens of Hoover High School. With his help, the Wildlife Gardens earned the Green Flag Award from the National Wildlife Federation.

Zachary from New York

Who: Zachary, Troop 4, Scarsdale, New York

What: Zachary and volunteers from his troop built and installed a boot brush station, which removes invasive plant seeds from visitors’ shoes before they enter the park. They also made a sign that educates visitors on the effect invasive species have on the ecological health of the park and the simple steps visitors can take to help. Altogether, the group removed invasive species from two areas of the trails in Nature Study Woods in New Rochelle, N.Y.

William from Louisiana

Who: William, Troop 111, Albany, Louisiana

What: William and his volunteers replaced a Livingston Parish tourism sign destroyed in Hurricane Ida. This concrete sign will guide thousands of travelers annually and stand up to future hurricanes with ease.

Cormick from Illinois

Who: Cormick, Troop 156, Glenview, Illinois

What: Cormick and his volunteers created a new gravel trail and planted native plants in the surrounding area at The Grove Nature Center.

Tristan from Oklahoma

Who: Tristan, Troop 26, Tulsa, Oklahoma

What: Tristan and his volunteers built a shed for Trinity Episcopal Church and the day school at Trinity. The shed mimics the church’s architecture. They even used overage from the church roof for the shed’s roof. Tristan raised over $4,000 to build the shed. The shed has three distinct storage areas: one for The Guild of St. Lawrence to hold a 300-pound smoker, one for Trinity Garden tools and one for the daycare to store playground items.

Matthew from Wisconsin

Who: Matthew, Troop 539, Franklin, Wisconsin

What: Matthew and his helpers cleared an overgrown garden area, built and installed two cross-shaped bee hotels and added plants to attract the pollinators at a church in Milwaukee.

Nicolas from Massachusetts

Who: Nicolas, Troop 29, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts

What: Nicolas created a donation center at his local church where all donations assist the town’s food pantry and local homeless shelters. Due to incredible generosity during fundraising, he was also able to donate over $1,000 worth of food, personal care items and winter clothing.

Zebulon from Virginia

Who: Zebulon, Troop 333, Buchanan, Virginia

What: With help, Zebulon transformed an empty field with an Old Rugged Cross into a prayer labyrinth. He filled the area with thick slate step stones, a concrete meditation bench, 22 dwarf nandinas, white and red stones and a rip-rap border.

Jordan from Pennsylvania

Who: Jordan, Troop 51, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

What: Jordan’s project was the reconstruction of the stage platform in the Camp Hill Borough Cemetery, which hosts the annual Memorial Day service honoring fallen veterans. He added a new railing and five medallions, representing the five traditional military branches. The latest upgrades were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting at the Memorial Day service on May 30, 2022.

Charlie from Indiana

Who: Charlie, Troop 399, Evansville, Indiana

What: Charlie rebuilt a bridge at the cabin on the Corpus Christi School campus. The bridge in its current state was unsafe to use. This project made the bridge safely accessible and allowed groups, including Cub Scout packs and Corpus Christi school classes, to access more of the property.

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.

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 Sheniece Chappell 60 Articles
Sheniece Chappell is an associate editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines.