While working at The Gardens at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from the Metro East learned that taking care of the Earth can be a tedious job, but they did not mind. More than 110 scouts, troop leaders and parents participated in Alpha Phi Omega’s Scout Sustainability Day at The Gardens on Saturday, April 21, one day before Earth Day.
“We raked, picked up pine cones and spiky ‘gumballs’ that were taking over grassy areas,” said Seth Kannarr, service vice president for the SIUE chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national co-ed service fraternity. “Our group had individuals from the ages of 5-55. We filled truck beds with just the ‘gumballs’ nearly a dozen times. Everyone was involved and had fun doing it.”
Before helping to clean The Gardens, scouts worked and studied in the Science West Building to earn STEM-related badges like Sustainability, Detectives, Oceanography and Get to Know Nuclear!
“We loved hosting this project,” remarked Kannarr, a sophomore geography major. “It was great to give back, and the scouts and parents really enjoyed the event. Scouts had the chance to earn a merit badge, and better learn how to appreciate the Earth and environment.”
Photos: Seth Kannarr, vice president of service for the SIUE chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, helps several Boy Scouts identify rocks and minerals.
Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts from the Metro East helped clean the Gardens at SIUE.