Despite dire predictions that the younger generation is going to the dogs, it might be well to consider the ambitious projects of the Boy Scouts of Troop 2001 and their engrossment with clients of Independent Living Services.
According to Jackie Fliss, executive director of ILS, the scouts decided to partner with the social agency for community service projects and the connection has proved to be beneficial to both parties.
The scouts have been involved in such work as building a handsome pavilion, which some might call a gazebo, at Profiles, the adult day treatment center of ILS, and playing bingo with the clients, serving refreshments, cleaning up afterward but most of all, Fliss says, providing good cheer and companionship to these disadvantaged people.
It would seem that the activity of the scouts knows no bounds. They've also taken part in a Halloween party, operating a haunted house, and been available for all ILS social activities.
"It should noted," Fliss said, "that the Halloween party conflicted with a school dance, yet several scouts still volunteered, although it meant missing most of the dance."
The executive director feels indebted to the scouts and her attitude is expressed in the pleasure at seeing them perform so admirably, she contends.
"As part of our community outreach, we recognized that high school age and adult individuals with developmental disabilities have few evening socialization opportunities,
These events are open to all, not just ILS clients, and usually have about 125 to 150 people attending. We are truly thankful to Troop 2001 for coming to our assistance with good cheer, good manners, enthusiasm, lots of energy, hard work and good hearts," Fliss said.
In her view, this partnership between ILS and the scouts is a win-win situation, with young men learning to relate to all people and what it means to be totally responsible for an event.
She quotes Barbara Spradlin, case manager and a program director at ILS, as saying: "It is very important for people with developmental disabilities to learn about and socialize with people of all ages. It is enriching and normal to interact with the young men."
Troop 2001 is a treasure in itself, distinguished by the fact that it boasts three Eagle Scouts in the making, Nathan Jones whose compulsion to build the pavilion for ILS clients was overpowering, and Michael and Daniel Young, whose involvement with the care and feeding of homeless people at Bethlehem House has been far reaching.
Troop 2001 was organized in July 2001, with Nathan Jones providing strong leadership. The troop has grown from seven boys to more than 17 in less that a year.
From Fliss comes word that Jones sought to do something substantial and something that could be used to help others. He visited and discussed several projects with officials of the city of Conway before making his final decision to work on his Eagle Project at ILS -- building a structure that clients could use to protect them from the elements and still enjoy the outdoors.
The design, worked out with the aid of assistant scoutmaster Tim Tyler, was found to be feasible. After bids on the materials were completed, work began with 12 scouts and five adults taking part.
Construction was begun on April 13 and was completed later in the month.
It has been said that this is one of the largest Eagle projects seen in Conway in many years.
Jones went into his Eagle Scout Leadership Project with unbounded enthusiasm, seeking out builders and supply houses that might be willing to help the project.
"It took a lot of lumber and a bunch of nails to do it," he smiles. From his vantage point, the people at Conway Block and Rideout helped immeasurably.
The rectangular structure is build on a skid and may be moved if ILS desires. Clients at Profiles may use the building for various kinds of social functions.
Now with the structure completed and properly acclaimed during a ceremony that heard several, including Sen. Gilbert Baker, hail the project, it will be judged by officials of the Quapaw Scout Council. If approved, Jones will receive his Eagle badge.
