Meet Cayden Rabe! Cayden is a Life Scout in Troop 334 (our local Miami Springs Troop) and is on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the ScoutsBSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only 4% percent of Scouts have earned this rank. Troop 334 has awarded this rank to over a dozen Scouts, and you can see their Eagle Scout projects around our city. Becoming an Eagle Scout is no easy task; in addition to earning at least 21 merit badges, the Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership.
He must complete the Eagle Scout Service Project, an opportunity for a Scout to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of any religious institution, any school, or community. (The project cannot benefit the Boy Scouts of America or its councils, districts, units, camps, and so forth). Cayden has completed 36 merit badges and over 120 service hours in our community. He currently serves as the Senior Patrol Leader for his troop and is a member of the Order of the Arrow, the honor society of scouting. Only 15% of Scouts are admitted into the OA. Cayden chose our Woman's Club as his beneficiary! "It was serendipity that Cayden came along," said Kathleen Fleishman, our club's Environmental Committee member. We are extremely honored that he chose us.
Our Environmental Committee has been working on a plan for some time now to redo the club's landscaping using Florida native plants that would attract pollinators. Thanks to Cayden, we are close to making this project a reality for the entire community to enjoy, learn, and benefit from. "I chose the Miami Springs Woman's Club to help give back to an organization that has given and continues to give so much to others."
Cayden has been working closely with our Environmental Committee and has broken ground! During our last board meeting, he gave members an update on his progress and shared that he has already "put into practice all that I've learned on my Scouting journey." This large landscaping project will "include a native Florida plant garden that will double as a butterfly and botanical garden. Once completed, this project will provide a new community resource for residents to enjoy", said Cayden.
Cayden must oversee the entire project and fundraise for it, in addition to other Eagle Project requirements. "My total expenses for this project are estimated at $5,000, which will cover tools, plants, and horticultural ID labels for each plant." These labels will have QR codes to learn about the plants.
Let's show Cayden our support! As a community, we must encourage and support young people like Cayden. They are the future leaders and nurturers of our beautiful city. You can contribute to Cayden's project by scanning this QR code or click HERE
We are very proud of Cayden and his work and excited to see the completed project.
Thank you TROOP 334! Remember, Native Plants are Our Natural Heritage. THINK NATIVE!
Even baby sister is helping her big brother Cayden :)
Just for fun check out FAMOUS EAGLE SCOUTS IN HISTORY