Anuraag Kaashyap, Eagle Scout
Total Volunteer Hours Worked: 140
Lake Fairfax Park has many trails of varying difficulty frequented by both hikers and bikers. However, due to the lack of signs on the trails, it was difficult to navigate the trail network without becoming lost. Due to this, inexperienced hikers and bikers often traversed trails that were not suited for them.
This project involved the installation of trail markers in ten intersections of the major trail circuit at Lake Fairfax Park. The volunteers used brown, polymer-based trail markers, with a height of 60″ to ensure sufficient stability. The trail markers were purchased from Bernsten International Inc. However, the decals bearing the trail color code and direction were installed by the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA).
This project helped hikers and bikers navigate the trails without fear of getting lost by following the directions on the signposts, and prevented them from traversing the trails that are too difficult for them. Additionally, it helped Lake Fairfax Park and the wider community of Northern Virginia that goes to the park and uses its trails.
First, my parents were instructed to purchase the trail markers to be installed as part of the project. Next, communication with the beneficiary was initiated to select a suitable date on which to carry out the project. Then, the project was advertised on the troop website and in troop meetings to recruit volunteers. As the park was unable to acquire the installation equipment in a timely manner, the project was rescheduled and the equipment was purchased. It was confirmed that the model of the equipment would work on the trail markers. A few days before the project, my parents were instructed to purchase snacks and bottled water. Afterwards, an informational message was sent with important instructions on logistics and appropriate clothing for the project.
Observations and Challenges
Even before the project date, excellent guidance was provided by scout leaders and parents, helping to improve the project plan for the project. There were no major delays, as the weather was good and the volunteers, including the representative from FCPA, arrived on time. There were more than the expected number of volunteers and enough drivers to move everyone around the park, so the team was able to rotate roles so that no volunteer became exhausted.
In addition, since the installation equipment was not too heavy, the team did not need an additional tool (i.e., a wheelbarrow) to transport it. Everyone was appropriately attired, and there were enough work gloves. There were also enough snacks and water bottles for all the volunteers. Although a few trail markers broke in the beginning, the volunteers were able to successfully install trail markers at the necessary locations, as the use of the installation equipment was not unnecessarily complicated.
There were no major injuries, and the one minor accident involving a splinter, was successfully and easily resolved. The volunteers were directed effectively to complete the necessary tasks, and the project too much less time than expected to finish. There were originally 12 hours (6 hours on each day) set aside for the project, but it was completed by the end of the first day.
The actual process of installing the markers took the volunteers some time to become proficient at. However, after installing the first few markers, it became increasingly easier to install them. Another challenge of installing the markers was the nature of the terrain. In some chosen locations, the ground was rocky, forcing the team to alter the exact location of the markers. However, the volunteers were still able to install the markers at the necessary intersections.
In addition, as the actual installing of markers required only one or two people to do physical work, it was difficult to keep volunteers from getting distracted. This was mitigated somewhat by rotating the installation role so that everyone had a chance to do the work. The team was also prevented from installing the trail markers at one location due to a wine tasting event being held in that area. As it was not a direct park event, it was not displayed on the park website, so it was not known until the day of the project.
Changes (from the original proposal)
As the installation tool was unavailable for the weeks after project approval was received, it was purchased from www.carsonite.com so that the volunteers would not have to wait for months to carry out the project. The installation equipment will be donated to the FCPA for installing trail markers in other parks and trails in the future. The team was unable to install markers at one location due to an ongoing wine tasting event (most of the volunteers were under 21, and thus unable to pass through there). However, the beneficiary instructed the volunteers not to come back on the second day just to install that marker as it was likely that the location would be overturned in the near future.
Leadership
Even before the day of the project, I demonstrated leadership through my planning and organization of the project. I talked to various officials from Lake Fairfax Park. I personally talked with members of the troop to recruit volunteers, identified the various roles to be performed, and scouted the park multiple times to plan for the most efficient route to install all the markers to optimize the project. I effectively communicated logistical information to the volunteers and ensured that all materials were obtained on time.
On the project day, I demonstrated leadership by giving direction to all the volunteers helping me. As a leader, I was firm, ensuring that volunteers were focused and on task, but patient, when dealing with problems that arose and when working with the volunteers. Even at the beginning, when we had trouble installing the markers, I encouraged the volunteers so that they remained motivated, which allowed us to complete the project much faster than anticipated. I also adapted to unexpected adverse situations. When rocky terrain, which I had not planned for, prevented us from installing trail markers, I oversaw the testing of different areas of that intersection with a pick and found the best place to put the marker. Finally, I thanked the volunteers including my parents and the beneficiary representative, for their hard work in helping me complete this project.
It was difficult being stern enough to make everyone work hard, but also being tactful, to avoid discouraging the volunteers. It is important to maintain this balance not only to ensure productivity, but also to maintain good relationships with those I work with. On the same note , it was difficult to handle directing all the tasks that had to be done. At each intersection, it was imperative that the proper procedure be followed in the proper order. The warning posters had to be set up first, before the exact installation spot could be determined and the marker installed. Then, the posters had to be taken down, and each volutneer had to be given a certain piece of equipment to carry. It was difficult, but necessary, to ensure that all the equipment and markers were accounted for, as any lost equipment could cause significant delays.
The most rewarding part was the accomplishment felt after each trail marker was installed. I felt that through leadership I was able to make a meaningful contribution to my community. I felt especially proud of my achievement as the beneficiary had informed me that although many other people had talked about installing trail markers at Lake Fairfax Park, none of them showed the initiative and dedication to make the project a success.
I learned that it is difficult to maintain the calm focus required for leadership, but I also learned to be better and more efficient at directing people and minimizing wastage of time. I learned that leadership involves formulating an idea, developing a detailed plan, and creating a team to successfully achieve project goals. As part of this project, I created the project idea, communicated it to the other scouts in my troop, who were primary volunteers, and implemented a plan to ensure the project’s success. During the project implementation, I learned how to adapt to adverse circumstances and direct my team to succeed despite the obstacle. I also learned to keep my volunteers motivated even if problems arise.
