An Eagle Scout Service Project at The Children’s Room

An Eagle Scout service project rooted in gratitude, leadership, and giving back.

Sometimes the most meaningful acts of service begin with a simple email:

“I used to come to The Children’s Room and am interested in helping out.”

That’s how we reconnected with John Schiefelbein earlier this year. John was looking for an Eagle Scout service project. Of all the organizations he could have chosen, he wanted to return to The Children’s Room.

Years earlier, John participated in programs at TCR after his father’s death. Now, he wanted to give back.

John partnered with TCR Executive Director Jon Gay, who is also an Eagle Scout, to identify a project that would create a lasting benefit for the children and families who come to TCR. Together with volunteer landscape designer Jean Krasnow, they envisioned transforming the front gardens that welcome families to The Children’s Room—one of the first things visitors see before walking through the front door.

Over the next several months, John led every aspect of the project. He developed a detailed landscape plan with Jean, recruited volunteers, raised funds, secured donations from local businesses, coordinated materials, and led multiple workdays to bring their vision to life. The redesigned gardens feature hardy native plants, pollinator-friendly landscaping, and a more sustainable design that will welcome families for years to come while reducing maintenance for the organization.

For Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout is among the highest achievements in Scouting. Fewer than ten percent of Scouts earn the rank, and every Eagle Scout candidate must demonstrate leadership by planning and leading a significant community service project with a lasting impact. John’s project required planning, perseverance, problem-solving, and leadership. In total, he recruited 33 volunteers who contributed 180 hours to complete the project.

But what makes this project memorable isn’t simply what John accomplished. It’s why he chose to do it. Years after participating in TCR’s programs, John returned to support an organization that had supported his family.

We’re grateful to John, his family, his Scout troop, Jean Krasnow, the local businesses that donated materials, and the many volunteers who made this project possible. Together, they created more than a beautiful garden. They created a warm and welcoming space for the families who will come to TCR in the years ahead.