Eagle Scout project benefits Rabbit Run Theater

Since Arthur Eldred became the first Eagle Scout in 1912, the rank has represented a milestone of accomplishment that is recognized worldwide, and it is a goal for which every Scout strives.

As the Boy Scouts of America website says, “Eagle Scout is not just an award; it is a state of being.”

Some well-known Eagle Scouts include President Gerald Ford, filmmaker Stephen Spielberg and the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong.

One of the major components in becoming an Eagle Scout is the completion of a service project.

This project is created, planned and brought to fruition by the Eagle Scout candidate, and it must benefit a community, a school or a religious institution.

Trevor Baker, a senior at Madison High School, has been a Boy Scout and a member of Troop 55 since 2011. In seeking the rank of Eagle Scout, Trevor chose to work on a project benefitting Rabbit Run Community Arts Association (RRCAA) in Madison.

Trevor designed and built two new wood racks for costume storage for Rabbit Run Theater.

The racks are double sided with reinforced rods, storage platforms on the top and bottom and equipped with casters for easy movement.

Troy Johnson, properties committee chair for RRCAA as well as the committee chairman for Troop 55, was aware of the need for more costume storage and approached Baker with the idea last spring. Upon project approval Baker drew the necessary plans, procured materials and constructed the racks with the help of his father, George Baker, and several members of Troop 55.

“My project had to be of benefit to the community,” says Baker, “and it’s nice to know that the costume racks help Rabbit Run Theater with the production of its plays. The challenging part of this project was the actual planning. Assembling the racks was the easy part.”

“Costume storage is an on-going challenge,” said Brint Learned, executive director of RRCAA, “so we appreciate the hard work and effort that Trevor put into the costume racks. They are much needed, and Trevor did a great job putting them together.”

Upon graduation, Baker intends to attend Bowling Green State University to major in computer science.

RRCAA is a nonprofit organization offering year-round instruction in all the major disciplines of the fine and performing arts. RRCAA also operates Rabbit Run Theater, one of the few barn theaters still in operation.