This is the 60th entry in an occasional series in which we share Eagle Scout project before-and-after photos. See the complete collection of projects and submit your own to be featured in our next roundup. 

To fully understand the impact Eagle Scout projects have on communities, you need to see to believe. That’s why we ask to see the 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 an outdoor classroom, designing a pedestrian bridge and replacing composting bins.

If your Scout is looking for ideas for their Eagle Scout project, you can show them 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.

Vincent from Missouri

Who: Vincent, Troop 249, Weston, Missouri

What: Vincent repaired rust damage and repainted a historical train car in the city of Weston that was in poor condition after 15 years of exposure to the elements. The caboose honors a local Eagle Scout who died in a car accident. Vincent’s project won the North Star District Project of the Year for 2023.

Jackson, Will and Austin from Illinois

Who: Jackson, Will and Austin, Troop 85, O’Fallon, Illinois

What: Jackson managed a project that upgraded a structure to be used by a preschool as an outdoor classroom. Austin supervised the completion of a paved floor inside the new structure. Will oversaw the building of the picnic tables and outdoor easels.

Bradley from Missouri

Who: Bradley, Troop 45, Bolivar, Missouri

What: Bradley installed a wheelchair-accessible stage in a newly renovated youth center at a local church.

Xander from Missouri

Who: Xander, Troop 45, Bolivar, Missouri

What: Xander replaced 120 feet of worn-out flower beds with landscape blocks at a local church.

Lonzo from Missouri

Who: Lonzo, Troop 45, Bolivar, Missouri

What: Lonzo installed a 13-foot railing at the entrance to the basement area of a youth center to make it wheelchair-accessible.

Nathan from Maryland

Who: Nathan, Troop 265, Madonna, Maryland

What: Nathan designed and built a 24-foot covered pedestrian bridge over a stream crossing on a well-traveled trail along the Little Gunpowder River. The bridge design takes cues from the nearby historic Jericho Covered Bridge, allowing for easier trail access and reducing stream impacts.

Evan from Illinois

Who: Evan, Troop 82, Elmhurst, Illinois

What: Evan led a project that resulted in the improvement of a reading room for a local nonprofit that serves people with disabilities. First, he organized a cookie sale to raise funds. Then he organized build days for volunteers to construct two benches and two bookshelves that he designed. Additionally, Evan provided books, updated the facility’s bulletin board and supplied a large area rug to enhance the room’s appearance.

David from Texas

Who: David, Troop 595, Clear Lake, Texas

What: After an extensive amount of research, David discovered the need for easy-to-use composting bins at the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake campus. After getting the director’s approval, he led his fellow Scouts in replacing and upgrading the current bins.

Ian from Georgia

Who: Ian, Troop 1818, Sandy Springs, Georgia

What: Ian led a group of Scouts, friends and family in emptying, demolishing and replacing an old, dilapidated storage shed. The project included creating a base layer of pavers, sand and a wooden base. Then the team constructed a newer shed, added a rubber mulch path and planted gardenia bushes that surrounded the shed.

 Justin from Delaware

Who: Justin, Troop 274, Bear, Delaware

What: Justin and his team upgraded an outdoor fire pit and installed a comfortable seating area.

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.