Eagle Scout Project Beautifies Orange Church

Benjamin Cap from Boy Scout Troop 12 completed his Eagle Scout project at Holy Infant Church in Orange on July 10, focusing on beautifying the outdoor front right wing section of the church.

Cap met with Father Norman Brockett at Holy Infant Church  in late summer 2020 to discuss a few ideas he had for his project. Cap and Brockett both agreed the best idea was a major beautification project that would involve raising thousands of dollars and would need a lot of pre-planning and precise material ordering.

Through many announcements at weekly masses, articles in the church bulletins as well as online posts, Cap was able to raise over $2,500 to cover the costs of materials for the project. He collected and returned recyclable cans and bottles throughout the past year for funds toward drinks and food for his project workday to kept all the helpers hydrated, and provide them with lunch.
Throughout the planning process, Cap worked with vendors to get the best pricing and quality for his project.

“Home Depot in Orange was a pleasure to work with,” Cap said.

He also worked with June from the front desk at Holy Infant, who walked him through ordering every item he would need for his project.

“She was awesome to work with,” he said. “She literally walked around with me in the garden center looking at each item and taking notes. She made sure I had every item delivered and that everything was the correct. I learned how important these people are to us when we need help.”
Cap started the on-site beautification project in May 2020 by contacting Call Before You Dig. After he had everything marked out, he was able to create his final drawing and layout of where everything would be built and planted. He and his family spent several days at the work site after school and started cutting down the overgrown bushes to clear the entire site out.

On the morning of July 10, Cap and his family arrived at Holy Infant Church at 7:15 a.m. Shortly after, scouts, leaders, friends and other family members arrived to assist with completing his project.
Among those who helped were other members of Troop 12, including Tim Cap, Nate Milea, Nick Massey, Jason Byun, Zack Geramia, Ken Gunun, Brendan Zeigler, Pete Zeigler, Vicky Cap and Jeff Cap.

“Thank you to everyone who donated and/or helped me throughout my project,” Cap said. “I feel like I put in so many hours and it paid off with giving it all back to the church in our community.”