Jacob DeWitt and his grandmother with handmade raised garden bed

Eagle Scout Builds Elevated Garden Boxes at Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne Senior Living Community

Blog | June 20, 2024 | Reading Time 3:00 Minutes

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a notable achievement. Only approximately 5% of Boy Scouts successfully undertake the required hard work, including progressing through the scouting ranks, earning 22 merit badges, serving in a troop leadership position, and planning and leading a major service project.

Jacob DeWitt of Ft. Wayne, who will begin his junior year at Northrop High School this fall, is completing his work to achieve this impressive goal. He is a member of St. Vincent Scout Troop 2.

Several months ago, Jacob investigated possible Eagle Scout projects, and was inspired by a story he read about fellow Scout, Ethan Meyer of Huntington. Ethan works as a dining room server at Heritage Pointe of Huntington, and for his Eagle Scout project, created raised garden beds for the senior living community’s residents.

Jacob decided to create elevated garden boxes for the residents of Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne, where his grandmother, Cleo Waggoner, is a resident.

Jacob said that his responsibilities included creating plans and drawings for the boxes, planning and organizing fundraising, gathering construction materials, reviewing the plans for any flaws, constructing (with the help of other Scouts and helpers) the boxes, determining delivery date and time, and delivering the boxes. He committed to returning to stain the boxes in the fall.

Six fellow-Scouts and several adults worked with Jacob. The project was completed in late May, giving the residents the chance to use the planters this summer. The boxes have been planted with zucchinis, tomatoes, and flowers.

The project, Jacob said, “is beneficial to the residents because it gives them an activity to do outside that might increase or revive old gardening skills. It brings more opportunities for the residents as a whole, and it can help new residents feel more at home. My grandma did do some gardening when she was younger, but she hasn’t been able to do for a while. This will permit her to start something she loves to do again.”

“Jacob’s generosity and hard work touch us, and the residents will enjoy the opportunity to be outside enjoying the sunshine and helping to grow beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables,” said Christina Murphy, Activity Director at Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne.

Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne

Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne is conveniently located just off Interstate 469. The senior living community is on a beautiful campus featuring scenic trails, a community garden, four lakes, a community clubhouse, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and more. Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne offers vibrant independent living in freestanding villas and apartments. Assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and long-term skilled care are provided on the same campus, thus offering a complete continuum of care, also known as Life Plan. Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne is owned and operated by The United Methodist Memorial Home, an Indiana non-profit founded in 1907. To learn more about Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, visit www.HeritagePointeOfFortWayne.org.