When Jack Whitten was tasked with coming up with his Eagle Scout project, he knew right away which organization he wanted to benefit, he just wasn’t sure exactly how.
The 10th grader at Providence School of Jacksonville has been a part of the Boys Scouts for a long time, and with help from his troop, Boy Scout Troop #288 from Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church, Whitten led a project to benefit K9s for Warriors and the veterans who go to the Ponte Vedra-based nonprofit for help.
Whitten comes from a long line of Boy Scouts, and also has close family connections to military veterans — he also loves animals — which inspired him to do something for at K9s for Warriors’ Camp K9 location.
On Sunday, Aug. 24, Whitten, along with members of Troop #288, installed the “Reflection Garden” at K9s for Warriors’ main campus in Ponte Vedra.
In this Q&A, Whitten discusses how he came up with the project, what it is and and what it means to him.
Can you tell us about the “Reflection Garden” project? How did you come up with it?
I met with both Ms. Stephanie Vogt and Mr. Jason Snodgrass to first learn about the K9s For Warriors campus and learn what their needs may be. When I found out that the warriors come and live on the campus for three weeks at a time, I began thinking about building something that they could enjoy outside. They are partnered with their dogs all day, so I wanted to create a space where they could spend time with their dog outside. Some of my first ideas were a basketball court, a fire pit area, a horseshoe game or a garden. The more I thought about it, the garden made sense because the warrior and dog could stay together. I then asked about putting the garden in a place with a nice view and together, we decided that a “Reflection Garden” by the pond made the most sense. Eventually, they plan to create a walking trail around the pond, and my “Reflection Garden” will be a place to stop on the trail and relax with their dog.
What was it about K9s for Warriors that made you choose to focus on the organization for the project?
I have several family members that are veterans who have served our country and I appreciate their service and sacrifice. One family member has suffered from PTSD, so it’s a condition that’s close to my heart. When I learned that K9s For Warriors specifically focused on helping warriors with PTSD, I knew that I wanted to work with them. I also have always been fond of all animals and to learn that K9s For Warriors can train dogs to help these warriors made me even more interested.
Did you have help with planning the project? How was it funded?
I developed the project myself with help from my Eagle Scout Counselor, Mr. Zeke Paxton and working directly with K9s for Warriors. I developed 3 or 4 versions of it before I presented it to my Scout Committee. The committee reviewed it, asked questions, and provided more input. I made those changes and then worked from that approved plan. As a part of the planning, I had to create a budget. My project cost close to $700, with the all-weather resin bench costing more than half of my budget. I funded the project myself by saving money from chores, doing odd jobs, babysitting, and using some money that I had saved.
What was the overall experience like working to install the project on Aug. 24?
My experience on project day was great. We were lucky to have great weather, even though it was very hot. The best part is that I had six adult leaders and seven other Boy Scouts who volunteered to help that day. I was pretty blown away that everyone showed up on time because I wanted to start at 9 a.m. and they were there. The best experience was to see that the project idea that I had created, planned and drawn out was being put together by all of us. It was interesting for me to be in charge of the project and I really liked how everyone asked me what I wanted them to do and everyone followed my instructions. One thing that I really liked was that when the bench was assembled and carried over, they asked me where to put it. I told them and they put it down. Then, I was the first one who got to sit down on the bench to check out the view. That was cool.
How long have you been with the Boys Scouts and what does Scouting mean to you?
I started Scouting as a Tiger Cub when I was in first grade. Scouting, to me, means having fun with friends, going on adventures, camping a lot and doing good things in your community. Over the course of my time in Scouting, I can see all the many lessons and skills I learned have prepared me to be a leader in my community. I especially enjoy leading the younger Scouts and teaching them the skills that I learned at their age.
Why do you think projects like this one are so important to the community, nonprofits, etc?
It is important to give back to the community that you live in because the community provides a safe and great place to live in. If we all contribute in some way, we will make it an even better place to live. For a non-profit organization like K9s For Warriors, a project like that one enhances their campus and helps their mission without them having to spend the money or time to develop it. They are doing great work for the warriors that serve our country and I can give to them, so that they can focus on their mission of helping warriors.
