Elkridge Boy Scout Troop Wins Volunteer Award
Boy Scout Troop 432 of Elkridge received the “Volunteer Group of the Year Award” from the National Association for Interpretation for the troop’s work at Patapsco Valley State Park. The troop received the award on March 30 during the association’s regional workshop at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Del. The National Association for Interpretation is a professional organization supporting park professionals who provide natural and cultural history programs and services to the public
The Boy Scout troop was instrumental in preparing the grounds of the new Avalon Visitor Center in Patapsco State Park for its dedication and opening on May 13, 2000. The troop also developed, funded and installed wayside exhibits, bulletin boards and other educational resources around the center. The scouts staff special events at the park, such as the Eco-Fest, and now
donate their time staffing the visitor center.
Under the adult leadership and dedicated guidance of Donald Wecker, Scoutmaster, the troop has adopted the Avalon Area of Patapsco Valley State Park for their service projects. According to Park naturalist Anne Kernan, “Their commitment to the park has provided us an ongoing beneficial working relationship. If the interpretive or ranger staff have a need for work to be done, a quick phone call to Mr. Wecker is all that is needed, the troop members are always willing to come to our aid, ingenuously solving any problem with quick action and a professional and thorough job.” In 1997 Patapsco Valley State Park decided to create its first full-time visitor history center in an 150-year-old stone mill worker’s house that is in the Avalon Historic Area. The house was part
of the company-owned town of Avalon at the site of the Avalon Iron and Nail Works (circa 1830), one of many l9th-century industrial villages along the Patapsco River. The house had been flooded in 1972 and needed extensive renovation work. Due to declining park operating budgets, the entire project was completed through donations, grants and thousands of hours of volunteer labor,
including those of Boy Scout Troop 432.
|
|
The work of the troop played an important role in telling the story of the Patapsco River’s development during the industrial revolution and the ultimate conservation and preservation of the river valley as Maryland’s first state park. Troop 432 has taken great pride in seeing their work come to fruition. The Avalon Visitor Center is now open on weekends from 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Troop 432’s scoutmaster and leaders encourage the boys who show an interest to pursue their Eagle Scout Award.
Four boys have completed their awards interpreting the heritage of the Patapsco River Valley. A summary of the Eagle Scout Award projects is listed below:
Jason Wachs designed and constructed a beginner’s orienteering course. This orienteering course is an asset for youth programs offered at the center.
Spencer Prehn designed and constructed a rustic outdoor bulletin board/information kiosk. The kiosk is a valuable public information resource.
Erik Slack researched, developed and installed a trail side exhibit interpreting the site of the Avalon Water Works (circa 1910). In researching the water works, Erik discovered the original park plans prepared by the National Park Service for the Civilian Conservation Corps, dating to the 1930s.
Keith Elza designed, created and installed State Parks 2000 Celebration signs to develop public awareness and advocacy for the Maryland State Forest and Park Service He worked with the Catonsville and Arbutus Times to feature Eco-Fest (an Earth Day event) and inform thousands of people that year 2000 was “The Year of Maryland State Parks.” He also developed 'Adopt a Park' signs that acknowledged the major financial donors for the Avalon Visitor Center renovation.
For more information about park programs, the Avalon Visitor Center or volunteering in the park, please call (410) 737-0451.
Anne Kernan, Park Naturalist
|
