Eagle Scout Project-Inclusion Playground
Donation protected
My name is Jayden and I am a Life Scout with Troop 137 in Troutville,VA. I am working on earning my Eagle Scout rank, and in order to do so, I must complete an Eagle Scout Project.
I have chosen to build an inclusion playground at the church where my Troop meets.
Things look different this year with the COVID-19 pandemic which makes traditional fundraising efforts very challenging. Because of this, I have been allowed to set up this fundraising page as a way to fundraise safely and with no contact, to hopefully diminish health and safety concerns.
You may be wondering what an inclusion playground is, what makes it different from any other playground, and why I chose this as my project.
I chose this project because my younger brother has autism. Everyday, he fights to be included and accepted, and many times he is turned away or bullied due to not always understanding how to act in social settings. He has handled more disappointment and ridicule than I could ever imagine and he has handled it with class, dignity, and courage. He is so resilient, determined, and brave, but he shouldn't have to be. Everyone needs to be and feel included. Being included in play and social situations is necessary. I have witnessed how being excluded and turned away can impact feelings, mood, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. Even though kids may not show it, it hurts. No one wants to see a child left out.
I feel that regardless of a child's preference or abilities, that there are activities for them to engage in. They should not be limited to certain types of equipment because of their abilities. Instead, the space should be able to engage all children and have ample opportunities for mixed interaction.
I have chosen to build an inclusion playground at the church where my Troop meets.
Things look different this year with the COVID-19 pandemic which makes traditional fundraising efforts very challenging. Because of this, I have been allowed to set up this fundraising page as a way to fundraise safely and with no contact, to hopefully diminish health and safety concerns.
You may be wondering what an inclusion playground is, what makes it different from any other playground, and why I chose this as my project.
I chose this project because my younger brother has autism. Everyday, he fights to be included and accepted, and many times he is turned away or bullied due to not always understanding how to act in social settings. He has handled more disappointment and ridicule than I could ever imagine and he has handled it with class, dignity, and courage. He is so resilient, determined, and brave, but he shouldn't have to be. Everyone needs to be and feel included. Being included in play and social situations is necessary. I have witnessed how being excluded and turned away can impact feelings, mood, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. Even though kids may not show it, it hurts. No one wants to see a child left out.
I feel that regardless of a child's preference or abilities, that there are activities for them to engage in. They should not be limited to certain types of equipment because of their abilities. Instead, the space should be able to engage all children and have ample opportunities for mixed interaction.
An inclusion playground will allow children of any ability to play and be included. By making sure that the playground includes elements of play for all, children will be able to have fun without the segregation or lack of accommodation.
Please consider helping if you are able.
Thank you for reading.
Please consider helping if you are able.
Thank you for reading.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jayden Sink
Organizer
Vinton, VA
Jannette Hunt
Beneficiary