Day of Service with Troop 616
Scouts In Action cleaning up SR 87
On November 14th, 2020 Scout units throughout the BSA Grand Canyon Council participated in the inaugural Day of Service. In the Pinnacle Peak district, Troop 616 chartered by La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, elected to clean up trash along a 2 mile section of the Beeline highway (SR-87) as their contribution to the day.
Troop 616 Scouts pass this particular section of highway almost every month heading north for outdoor activities on the Mogollon rim. In conversation with the leaders of Troop 616 they indicated that this aspect was a contributing factor in the selection, to have that tangible reminder for the scouts of their efforts, but not the only one. Several options had been discussed with the Chartered Organization, both on their campus and a sister church they support, but the highway cleanup was selected as doing the most good for the most people.
When asked what was his favorite part of the project Senior Patrol Leader Jack S. said;
"My favorite part of this whole project was how many people showed up, and how amazing it was to see all of the boys doing projects together again. Once we are through the mess of 2020, I hope we can do more things like this, whether I'm leading or not."
Robert Thomas, an Eagle scout with Troop 616 echoed this sentiment:
“It was fun being outside and together again with my Scout friends. This was an easy and fun project to do.”
The clean-up effort was a huge success resulting in 26 giant bags of debris being collected, including a number of coolers, several tires, and even a car’s bumper. David Hutchison, Scoutmaster for Troop 616, was pleased with the results.
"I could see in the Scout's eyes and hear in their conversations, the pride and sense of accomplishment the Scouts had after doing a ‘good turn’ today while helping keep our community beautiful. The benefit to the community and the feelings of satisfaction will be lasting."
The Adopt-a-highway program is hosted by the Arizona Department of Transportation allowing any group to sign up to clean a section of highway. Organizing for clean-up projects is easy. ADOT provides interested groups logistical support, collection bags and safety vests. All you need to bring is manpower. To find out more about the Adopt a Highway program and how you can help Keep Arizona Grand visit here: https://bit.ly/2ItHu3z
Scouts do a good turn by cleaning up SR 87 for Day of Service 11/25/2020 By Jon Brodsky / ADOT Communications
