Construction projects form the basis of a great many Eagle Scout projects. A quick scan of these before-and-after Eagle project photos from the Bryan on Scouting blog offers proof of the amazing impact these construction-based projects can have. For the community of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, it was one of these projects for the local animal shelter that made a huge difference.

Scout Chandler S. of the Boy Scouts of America New Birth of Freedom Council knew that he wanted to do a construction-based project, specifically something he knew would last for multiple decades while helping out the local community. He knew that the local animal shelter needed a new roof over the kennel area, and that seemed like a great way to realize his goal.

“I knew I wanted to do something at the animal shelter,” he said.

The total project of putting a roof on the animal shelter took a year for Chandler and his team to complete. The actual structure is a 30-by-60-foot wooden roof. The roof extends over the outdoor portion of the kennel area at the animal shelter and provides shade and protection from the elements for the animals.

To construct the roof over the animal shelter, Chandler had to work closely with shelter personnel and a team of 30 people to help in the construction phase of the project.

Prior to constructing the roof over the kennel area at the animal shelter, the weather and elements sometimes prevented the animals from being able to go into the outside area at the shelter. Chandler’s project helped to fix that situation.

In addition to building a roof over the kennel for the dogs, Chandler also constructed an adjacent outdoor area for cats to enjoy.

“It’s been a huge help to us,” shelter Communications Director Jen Vanderau said. “It was a much-needed project. I’m very glad he did it.”

To read more about Chandler’s Eagle Scout project, be sure to check out the full story in the Public Opinion News.

To learn more about the positive impact that Scouting can have on young people like Chandler, be sure to check out this article on the recent Tufts study, and watch this video: