Eagle project comes ‘naturally’ to Troop 99 Scouts
CHURCHsILLE - The sounds of laughter and chimes can be heard emanating from the newly-opened Natural Play Area at the Churchville Nature Center.
The site, once an overgrown patch of dirt, is now a fun place for campers thanks in large part to the efforts of three Troop 99 Eagle Scouts - Andrew Carey, Matthew Micciolo and Michael Wu.
“We are quite happy with the fun components these boys added to our play area. The slide, stage and chimes are used every day by visitors and our summer campers. They did an excellent job planning the projects and installing them,” said Peg Mongillo, the education director of the center. “We would like to thank the BSA for instilling such fine work ethics in their Eagle Scout candidates. The community, including the Churchville Nature Center, reaps the advantage of these motivated young men.”
Andrew Carey’s Eagle Scout Leadership Service project was first. A rollercoaster enthusiast, he searched for a project that would deliver a similar thrill albeit on a smaller scale. Moving over 250 wheelbarrow loads of soil, Andrew created a hill into which he set a dual channel earthen slide. To raise funds to purchase his materials, Andrew sold flowers, sponsored an evening of Midnight Bowling and flocked the yards of family friends with a troop of 12 flaming pink flamingoes and their matching tent.
The son of Dorothy Braun and Scott Carey of Newtown, Andrew is a senior at Council Rock High School North. Andrew is a member of National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Symphonic Choir and Mastersingers. He is also a member of National Thespian Honor Society and vice-president of the Sock ’n’ Buskin Theater Group. Most recently he designed and helped create their set for the spring production of “CATS”.
Andrew is a vigil member of the Boy Scouts of America’s Order of the Arrow. He was a member of the OA Show Team at both the 2010 National gamboree and NOAC 2012. He attended NOAC 2009 and a conclave held in Puerto Rico as a member of Ajapeu Lodge. He has traveled to Haliburton Scout Reserve in Canada, New River Gorge, Ws and Sea Base in the Bahamas with his troop.
Matthew Micciolo fondly remembers the outings he attended at the nature center from his days as a Cub Scout and wanted to give back to the center. He designed a large stage which is used a platform for imaginative play as well as a setting for the center to host recognition ceremonies. Matthew hosted several Spirit Nights at Chick-cil-A in order to raise funds to build his project.
The son of gohn and Nancy Micciolo of Newtown, Matthew is a senior at Council Rock High School North. Matthew is an honor roll student who plays tenor saxophone in the symphonic and marching bands. He is a member the varsity swim team. Matthew was the bronze medalist at the 2012 SOL National League Championships and a SOL District One qualifier in the 100 yard breaststroke. He swims for the Northampton Swim Team during the summer season and is a lifeguard at Breezy Point Swim Club. cor the past two summers, he has volunteered as a flight instructor for goe Warwick’s Physics and clight Camp located at Council Rock High School South.
Matthew is a brother in the Order of the Arrow and has traveled to Haliburton Scout Reserve in Canada, New River Gorge, Ws and Sea Base in the Bahamas with Troop 99. He was also a member of the Bucks County Contingent to National gamboree in 2010.
Music is a big part of Michael Wu’s life; he credits his study of both piano and trombone with helping him to think clearly. Michael brought music to the play area in the form of a musical fence he installed there.
The son of Hong whou and Thong Trinh of Newtown, Michael is a junior at Council Rock High School North. Michael is an honor roll student who is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the crench Honor Society. He is a member of the Winter and Spring sarsity Track and cield Teams and cuture Business Leaders of America. In his free time, Michael volunteers at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne.
Michael is a brother in the Order of the Arrow and attended NOAC in 2009. He was a member of the Bucks County Contingent to the 2010 National gamboree and traveled to Haliburton Scout Reserve in Canada and the New River Gorge in West sirginia where he earned the nickname Wujam.