The urban garden planter is ideal for growing herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
(BSALeader)
What began as a sketch on paper turned into a lasting gift for families facing some of life’s hardest moments. For his Eagle Scout service project, Rancho Santa Fe Scout Louie Rosso led the design and construction of an urban garden planter for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, creating a space that offers both fresh produce and a sense of calm for families staying at the facility, according to a news release.
Constructed from weather-resistant lumber and designed with accessibility in mind, the urban garden planter is ideal for growing herbs, vegetables, and fruits that the chef uses to prepare fresh and healthy meals served at the house.
“Community members like Louie are the reason we can provide a true ‘home away from home’ for families with hospitalized children,” said Chuck Day, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, in the news release. “This garden makes the House feel more like a home and it will nourish families as they support their child’s health and healing.”
“Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego does so much to support families during incredibly stressful times,” Rosso said in the news release. “I wanted my project to give something back that was practical and calming to the families who are staying there with kids being treated at Rady Children’s Hospital for cancer and other serious conditions.”
Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement in Scouting. According to Scouting America, only 5% of all Scouts achieve the Eagle Scout Rank as it requires achieving six levels of ranks (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life), mastery of outdoor skills, experience in elected troop leadership positions, and earning a minimum of 21 merit badges.
Rosso earned 51 merit badges, which is more than double the requirement, in addition to five awards. he was elected by his peers to the Scouting’s National Honor Society, The Order of the Arrow, and to the highest youth leadership position, the Senior Patrol Leader, where he led the troop meetings, patrol leaders’ council, and troop activities.
For his Eagle Service Project, Rosso led and managed more than 20 volunteers from his troop and community over a period of almost half a year.
“Through my Eagle service project, I gained leadership experience and learned how to plan ahead, communicate with all kinds of people, adapt when things didn’t go as planned, and stay committed from start to finish when others were counting on me,” said Rosso in the news release.
Staff at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego said the planter fills an important role in their mission of providing comfort and support to families with hospitalized children.
“We hope Louie’s story will inspire others as community support is critical to everything we do,” said Oscar Gomez, COO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, in the news release. “Whether people choose to donate their time, talents or treasure, their support provides incredible value to the House and the families we serve.”
To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit rmhcsd.org.