by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
When Brandon Wildemuth presented his idea for his Eagle Scout project, he was told that he didn’t have to do so much.
While some might have scaled back their plans, and only done what was necessary to get by, Brandon, 14, decided not to change a thing. He decided he wanted to go above and beyond what he had to do.
”He was insistent,” said Brandon’s mother, Christine Wildemuth. “The Scouts told him he was doing a lot more than he had to, but he didn’t want to cut back. He had his mind set on what he wanted to do.”
A freshman at South Brunswick High School, Brandon is a member of Boy Scout Troop 10. He has begun work on a beautification project for the gazebo in the Oakwoods senior housing community. His project involves adding benches around the gazebo, building birdhouses, planting and creating a fishpond.
So far Brandon has led more than 20 volunteers in the construction of his design over three different work sessions. They have built two benches and six birdhouses, and planted butterfly-attracting plants like buddleia, honeysuckle, yarrow and spiderwort. They also have planted a bed of daffodils and perennials around the gazebo. He said he will complete the fishpond in the spring.
Brandon said the residents at Oakwoods have begun taking an interest in the project.
”They are really appreciative of what I have been doing,” Brandon said. “I have seen a lot of people looking around at the flowers and using the benches. They seem really happy with it.”
Brandon said he got the idea for the project while volunteering at the Senior Center, where his mother is the director. He said he is happy to give something back to the community.
”It feels very good to know that they love the work that I am doing for them,” Brandon said. “It is good that they know that people still care about them and want to do things for them.”
Brandon said he is one merit badge short of the 21 required badges for the Eagle rank. He said he hopes to attain the rank by fall 2009.
His mother said she is very pleased with how he has tackled the project.
”I am very proud, he has really worked very hard,” Ms. Wildemuth said. “It is nice to see young people so involved in their community.”
Several business have donated to Brandon’s effort, including Amatos Nursery in South Brunswick, Famas Nursery in North Brunswick, Milltown Home Depot and Lowe’s in Lawrence. Brandon is still looking to raise about $300 to finish the pond.
Anyone interested in donating can mail checks made out to Boy Scout Troop 10 to Oakwoods Senior Housing, c/o Christina Agrait, manager, 700 Woods Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852.

