One of the successful experiences I had in making / creating / achieving something as a group would have to be my Eagle Scout Project. My project’s first stage was to scrub and wash a wood-shed, which is a component of the Oakley Farmhouse, a historical site dating back to the 1600’s. Afterwards it was freshly coated with a layer of white paint and primer, specifically chosen so that the farmhouse would be able to endure for future generations to come back and see the site. Additionally, there was a need to move several raspberry bushes growing along the shed to a secondary location on the property, so that they might be closer to the community garden. The historical site itself is home to several local historical groups and is used for wedding venues on occasion as well as a variety of other tasks. Besides the general up-keep of the site, the project also serves to supplement Elizabeth Oakley’s wish that the farm be preserved and saved for later generations to experience the farm. The project went at a faster pace than expected. Part of it was that we had a few more people than expected, who were very productive, which helped in terms of the rate. People who came along were very useful and compliant, quickly acting out upon my delegated orders. The scrubbing process went well, especially with the extra buckets brought along. When the preparations for handwashing and scrubbing became evident, using buckets from home, we filled them with water and added the algaecide. This allowed the team the team to work on multiple points of the wall and could be applied at the same time by different groups. The overall teamwork of the group went quite well in terms of chemistry, and the efficient and hard-working nature of the group was a big contribution. The moving of the bushes also went well and was completed by the time the scrubbers reached that side of the building, allowing them to continue uninterrupted. Although it was a group activity, it was an activity in which the presence of a designated leader in charge of delegation and management was essential.
Theresa Dolson
sounds like as the leader you also found the project, decided on and purchased supplies, made a plan, invited people to help, etc. Yes? That’s lots of work! What do you think made the group “efficient and hard working?”
Nicholas Javier
I think part of it was my connection with a lot of them. They knew me- and I knew them- and they also understood how important this was for me. Most of them were Scouts, and all of them were smart and driven enough to execute tasks, whilst not requiring much hand holding as they went through the tasks. I think communication, but also the work environment (music, familiar people, common goal) also contributed to the success.