Category: Eagle Projects

For many kids, the fascination with dinosaurs and ancient fossils is a lifelong passion. Now, thanks to the initiative of a local Life Scout, young paleontologists in the area have a new place to dig into their interests right on the University of Kentucky campus.

Ethan Scott, a Senior Patrol Leader with Troop 63, has announced the creation of the Junior Kentucky Paleontology Society (Jr. KPS). Developed as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project, the organization is designed to bridge the gap between curiosity and education for children aged 8 and older.

A Passion for Prehistory

The project stems from Scott’s own deep-seated interest in the field. While a Kentucky Paleontological Society already exists at UK, Scott recognized a need for a dedicated space geared specifically toward a younger audience.

The Jr. KPS will focus on:

• Educational Meetings: Learning about dinosaurs, fossils, and the prehistoric history of Kentucky.
• Hands-on Activities: Crafting and learning sessions involving markers, construction paper, and other creative materials.
• Community Building: Connecting kids who share a passion for the ancient world.

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Meeting Location & Schedule

Meetings are held at the Mining and Mineral Resources Building on the University of Kentucky campus, located at 310 Columbia Ave, Lexington, KY 40508.

The Jr. KPS has established a robust schedule for its inaugural year, with all meetings set for 6:30 PM on the following dates:

• Spring: April 24, May 22
• Summer: June 26, July 31, August 28
• Fall: September 26, October 23, November 20
• Winter: A Christmas Party is planned for December (Date/Location TBD).

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How to Support the Project

To bring this vision to life, Scott is seeking community sponsorships to fund essential supplies like pencils, paper, and educational kits. Supporters can choose from three “prehistoric” sponsorship levels:

Level	Contribution	Icon
Stegosaurus	$25	Full Skeleton
Triceratops	$50	Skull Profile
T-Rex	$100	Predator Skull

Donations can be made via:

• Mail: Scout Troop 63 – PO BOX 27, Paris, KY 40361 (Checks payable to Teresa Archamboult).
• Digital: Venmo (@Tarchamboult) or Cashapp ($Tarchamboult) with the note “Eagle Project.”
• Pick-up: Contact Ethan directly at 859-704-0704.

Through this project, Scott isn’t just working toward the rank of Eagle; he’s building a community resource that ensures the next generation of Kentucky scientists has a place to start their journey.

In the heart of Bourbon County, a young man is taking proactive steps to make his community safer. On June 6th, Luke Johnson, a Life Scout from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Troop 63 and a Junior Firefighter with the Paris Fire Department, received approval from The Boy Scout Council for his Eagle Project focused on fire safety and preparedness.

Driven by his experiences as a Junior Firefighter and his dedication as a Life Scout, Luke has set an ambitious goal: to install 75 smoke detectors and fire extinguishers into homes in need throughout Bourbon County. Recognizing the critical role these tools play in early fire detection and suppression, Luke is particularly focused on reaching low-income and elderly individuals who may not have these essential safety devices in their homes.

First Installation: A Special Moment

On a recent outing, Luke had the privilege of making his first installation, providing Ed and Jan Taylor with a smoke detector and fire extinguisher. This installation was particularly meaningful, as the Taylors had previously experienced a flash flood, during which Luke and his fellow Scouts from Troop 63 had helped them clean up. Sharing a church community with the Taylors further deepened the connection. This initial installation served as a valuable learning experience for Luke, allowing him to identify areas for improvement before the main event on Saturday.

Signup while supplies and funding lasts:

Get Involved

Luke is actively seeking community support to make his project a success. He’s currently developing Google Forms to streamline the process for both volunteers who wish to assist with installations and individuals who would like to request installations in their homes. Please stay tuned to Luke Johnson’s Eagle Project on Facebook, as all Google Forms will be posted by Friday, June 14th.

Donations Needed

To cover the cost of the smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, Luke is also welcoming donations. Your generosity can help ensure that every home in Bourbon County has the necessary tools to stay safe from fire.

Conclusion

Luke Johnson’s Eagle Project is a shining example of the positive impact young people can have on their communities. By addressing the critical issue of fire safety, he’s making a tangible difference in Bourbon County. The successful first installation at the Taylors’ home marks the beginning of this impactful journey. We applaud Luke’s efforts and encourage everyone to support his project in any way they can.