Dylan Jain, Eagle Scout
Total Volunteer Hours Worked: 98
My Eagle Scout project involved rebuilding the pathway to the shed at Rajdhani Mandir and installing knee-height shelving in two closets. The pathway was replaced with a durable flagstone design, and pre-built racks were added to the closets to improve storage.
This project will benefit the members, volunteers, and visitors of Rajdhani Mandir. The improved flagstone pathway provides a safer and more stable surface for accessing the shed, especially during wet or unsafe conditions. The new shelving in the closets helps temple staff and volunteers keep supplies organized and easily accessible.
Observations and Challenges
The project went smoothly and largely according to plan. We had almost all the equipment and materials we needed on site, which helped avoid delays and kept the momentum going. I had created a detailed schedule and task breakdown ahead of time, which made it easier to assign jobs and keep
everyone focused throughout the day. We also got lucky with a beautiful day and no rain, which played a big role in the project’s success. The dry weather made it much easier to transport
and level the gravel and flagstones, and it allowed the team to work comfortably without needing to stop or adjust for wet conditions. Most importantly, the dry conditions were critical for laying down the polymeric sand between the flagstones—if the ground had been wet or if it had rained, we wouldn’t have been able to apply it properly, which would have delayed completion of the pathway. Thanks to the teamwork, planning, and favorable weather, we were even able to finish ahead of schedule.
Transporting and unloading 700 pounds of gravel required a significant amount of physical effort and careful coordination. It was much more demanding than I had expected. Additionally, leveling the flagstones proved to be a major challenge. We had to constantly redo each stone, adding small amounts of sand at a time to ensure each flagstone sat properly and didn’t teeter. It required precision, patience, and teamwork, and ultimately took about three times longer than I had originally forecasted. Another unexpected difficulty was managing the project site during a large temple event. There was a high volume of foot traffic near the work area, and since it’s customary in Indian temples for visitors to be barefoot, it became even more important to keep the area clean and safe. I had to continuously remind my team to keep tools organized and the space tidy to ensure the safety and comfort of temple visitors.
Changes (from Original Proposal)
I adjusted the flagstone pathway design slightly by reusing the red tiles from the original path. This added color and contrast to the new pathway while
allowing for minimal cutting.
Leadership
I demonstrated leadership by creating a detailed project plan in advance, which helped me clearly explain each task to volunteers. I ensured that all necessary materials and equipment were prepared ahead of time to avoid delays. I divided the crew into two teams—a larger team focused on rebuilding the path and a smaller team working on the closet shelving. I individually briefed each team, provided written instructions, and demonstrated how to safely use the tools required for their specific tasks. I made sure that every individual had a role and that no one was left idle, adjusting assignments as needed to keep everyone engaged and productive. Throughout the project, I checked in with both teams every hour to hour and a half to monitor progress, answer questions, and offer guidance. I also made safety and organization a top priority—ensuring the work area remained clean, tools were stored properly, and all volunteers stayed hydrated and wore goggles and gloves.
One of the most difficult aspects of being the leader was dealing with unexpected situations, such as volunteers not showing up. This required me to quickly adapt and make last-minute adjustments to the work plan so that the project could stay on track. It was challenging to lead a team that had little experience with construction, I had to explain everything and ensure tasks were simple and safe enough
to execute. At times, it felt like it would be easier to just do things myself but, I resisted that urge and guided others, as this project was about leadership.
The most rewarding part of being the leader was bringing a team together and working toward a shared goal—and then successfully completing the
project ahead of schedule. It was incredibly satisfying to see all the planning, effort, and teamwork pay off in such a tangible way.
I also found it rewarding to watch the volunteers grow in confidence as they learned new skills. Many of them started the day unsure of how to use tools or what to do, but by the end, they were working independently and taking pride in their contributions. Hearing appreciation from the temple staff and community members made the hard work feel even more worthwhile.
I learned that strong leadership starts with preparation and clear planning, but also requires flexibility when things don’t go as expected. During the project, I had to adapt when volunteers did not show up, tasks took longer than planned, and team members needed extra support. I discovered the importance of clear communication—not just giving instructions, but regularly checking in and making sure everyone felt supported. Balancing direction with letting others take ownership helped the team grow. One of the biggest challenges was keeping everyone engaged, especially younger Scouts.
Work during the project