Cole Langdorf, Eagle Scout
Total Volunteer Hours Worked: 56
The project I have done was creating no sew pet beds and a drive for miscellaneous things such as food, treats, pee pads, clothing, etc. This project holds personal significance to me, as HART is where I adopted my last dog, who recently passed away. HART gave support to animals in need, including shelter, veterinary care, and adoption services. By giving back to the organization that brought me so much joy and companionship, I hope to honor my dog’s memory and contribute to the well-being of other animals in need.
To begin with, I searched Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for the materials, along with having volunteers brought them. Once the collection phase was complete, we convened at my house to create the beds. With the gathered materials, volunteers and Scouts came together to assemble the beds using a no-sew method. The dimensions of the finished beds were similar, ensuring optimal comfort and space for the animals.
Our goal was to create at least 5 beds to benefit animals awaiting adoption or recovering from medical treatments. After the beds were made, I coordinated with the HART organization to arrange for their donation. By donating these beds, I aimed to enhance the quality of life for the animals in their care, offering them a cozy and comfortable space while they await their forever homes.
After my proposal was approved, I sat down at home and started to create flyers, reaching out to people who I knew could help me. Then I posted my flyer on every social media platform I have and tried reaching out to anyone I could to come help or donate.
Observations and Challenges
The thing that went well with my project was how well my beneficiary worked with me. Those who could volunteer or donate helped greatly, and the materials that I could find or get were of high quality. Things that were challenging were when many people would RSVP and cancel right before coming over. My project was over the summer, so I assume people did not want to work during their summer. Those who came over were a little late, but they could stay for the whole time.
Changes (from original proposal)
Some changes I would make are reaching out to more people or getting more bed making materials.
Leadership
I have learned how to organize and delegate tasks to team members; motivate and encourage others to work towards the project’s goals; communicate effectively with team members, stakeholders, and volunteers; managed project resources, such as time, budget, and materials; and evaluate the project’s progress and adjusted plans accordingly.
One of the most difficult things was managing and motivating team members who have different personalities, work styles, and skill sets. It can be challenging to make sure everyone is working and that their contributions are valued equally. The most rewarding aspect was feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment when I saw team members working together towards a common goal and finally making those beds.
I learned several important lessons about leadership. One of the most important things I learned was the value of effective communication. I found that clear communication was essential for making sure that everyone was working and that tasks were completed on time and to a high standard. I also learned the importance of delegation and how to assign tasks to team members based on their strengths and abilities.
