Detailed Instruction

Eagle Service Project

Detailed Instructions

7 April 2012-8 April 2012

Young Wu

Instructions: (for pdf version click here)

Introduction

Dear Scouts and Parents,

First of all, thank you for volunteering to help out at my Eagle Service Project! One of the core tenants of any eagle project includes “giving leadership”—and it would not be possible to complete the project without your help.

I have written this short document to provide some pointers as to what we will need for this project. Please read it carefully so that all of us are on the same page on the day of the project.

Project Description

These project phases and descriptions are copied from my proposal that I submitted to the district:

Phase 1: Introduction and Precautions

    1. Discuss the project with all/new volunteers

    2. Ensure that all volunteers have appropriate protective gear (gloves, masks, etc.)

    3. Explain proper work procedures and safety precautions for each part of the project

Phase 2: Digging Holes for Handrail Posts

    1. Using a post hole digger, dig 4 16” deep holes, spaced 6 feet apart at each steep trail location.

    2. The 4x4s will require holes with radius of about 3 inches.

    3. There will be a total of 8 holes dug.

Phase 3: Filling holes with cement and vertical posts

    1. A 4x4 should be placed vertically in each hole.

    2. Holes should be filled with cement and be left to dry.

    3. Use caution tape to prevent people from disturbing the vertical posts.

Phase 4: Repairing trail with new gravel

    1. In locations where the gravel has worn away, scouts will resurface the trail with additional gravel.

    2. Gravel level should be approximately level with the rest of the trail.

    3. A culvert will be added to protect the trail in an area where water has washed the trail away.

Phase 5: Cleaning the Bridge

    1. All contaminants (i.e. leaves, mud) should be cleaned off of the bridge for preparation.

      1. Using a special deck cleaning solution, clean off the bridge.

    2. Use caution tape to prevent people from walking on the bridge.

Phase 6: Replacing and protecting solar lights

    1. All older lights will be removed.

    2. Every 15 feet of the trail, a new light will be placed.

    3. A steel rod will first be hammered into the ground to create a deep but small-diameter hole.

      1. The light will then be placed into the hole so that a minimal part of the light is above ground.

      2. This will protect the light to a certain degree from bears

Phase 7: Attaching handrails to vertical posts (See diagram 1)

    1. Verify that the concrete has cured sufficiently.

    2. Using a chalk and a measuring tape, draw a straight line to establish where the top handrail will be placed.

      1. Mark off that location with the chalk.

    3. Using a saw, remove the excess wood on the vertical 4x4.

    4. Align the top 2x4s with the finished 4x4.

      1. At each intersection with a 4x4, drill a ¼” hole 3” deep.

      2. Place a washer and a lag screw into the hole, and using a wrench, tighten the lag screw.

    5. 1 foot below the upper handrail, align the 2nd set of 2x4s in the same manner.

      1. At teach intersection with a 4x4, drill a ¼” hole 3” deep.

      2. Place a washer and a lag screw into the hole, and using a wrench, tighten the lag screw.

    6. On top of the upper 2x4, install the 2x6 boards to make a smooth finish on top.

      1. Secure the 2x6 to the 4x4s using 3” wood screws.

Phase 8: Sealing the bridge

    1. Clean off any debris (i.e. leaves) that may have fallen onto the bridge.

    2. Using brushes and/or rollers, apply sealant to the bridge.

      1. Order should be as follows: handrails, side, walking area

    3. Using caution tape, seal off the bridge so people do not step on it while the sealant dries.

As one can see, the project involves several parts. In order to make the project as efficient as possible, several parts can be done simultaneously.

Project Schedule:

Because the first time we arrive at the work location will be the first time we have seen the site, we will need some time to transport materials and organize ourselves.

Materials Needed:

    • Permission Slips

    • Medical Forms (AIC)

    • Water Bottle (scouts)

    • Utensils

    • Sleeping Bags

    • Bunk bed sheet per person (Requested by Mr. Ladle)

    • Mask for painting

    • Goggles

    • Gloves

    • Warm clothes (30s F at night!)

    • Rain gears

    • Whistles (bring them if you have them)

    • Walki-Talki (bring them if you have them)

    • Flash lights

    • Camera

Weather Situation:

As of 4 April 2012, the weather is as follows:

    • Saturday: Partly cloudy, High: 61; Low: 36

    • Sunday: Showers, High: 55; Low: 39

Things to remember:

Since we are working in a different environment, there are important things to keep in mind while working at the site.

    • Cold weather

      • The weather can drop down to 30 degrees at night, so it is absolutely imperative that scouts bring warm clothes.

    • Rainy weather

      • Weather reports predict that it will rain on Sunday. Scouts must bring rainclothes in order to keep dry.

    • Work clothes

      • Scouts will get dirty while working, so work clothes should be articles that can be disposed of if needed.

    • Sanitation

      • Since we are only working for one day, it is recommended that scouts do not shower on the day we are staying overnight—there is limited hot water.

    • Bring your own utensils

      • he center will not provide any utensils, so bring your own.

    • No electronic devices/games

      • Leave your ipods, gameboys, PSPs, etc… at home.

    • No meat

      • This is a Buddhist center, so please respect the beliefs of our host.

Safety

    • Phase 1

      • Some parts of the project require additional oversight and precautions.

      • Poison Oak/Ivy

        • Both are known to be around the trails. Wear long sleeves and gloves, and avoid wandering off the trail.

        • If you come in contact with the oil, let Mr. Ladle know. He has a solution that can wash it off.

      • Bears/Deer

        • There are some large animals. Always stay with a buddy, and report sightings of large animals.

    • Phase 2 (Digging Holes)

      • Keep your feet away from the post hole diggers while they are in use.

    • Phase 3 (Cement)

      • You will be required to wear masks if you are present while the cement mix is being poured. The dust created can cause lung damage.

      • You will also be required to wear eye protection, as the dust can cause irritation.

    • Phase 5 (Cleaning Bridge)

      • You will be required to wear goggles and gloves while using the cleaning solution.

      • Do not ingest or inhale the solution. It is toxic.

    • Phase 6 (Replacing lights)

      • While hammering in the steel rod, keep your hands away from the hammer or the rod. Swinging metal is dangerous.

    • Phase 7 (Attaching handrails)

      • Mr. Ladle will be doing the sawing, but if you are in the vicinity you must wear goggles to prevent sawdust from getting in your eyes.

      • You must keep your hands away while holes are being drilled.

    • Phase 8 (Sealing the bridge)

      • Scouts should wear old clothing in case it gets dirty.

Driving Direction:

  • Head north on Highway 101 out of Willits for about 12 miles till you get to the Highway 162 turnoff

  • Turn on to highway 162 and go about ½ mile till just before the railroad crossing and river bridge.

  • The gate is on the left side of the highway… the road sign reads Helms Road. Wait at the gate.

Contacts:

  • Mr. Frank Wu - Call this number first

  • Mr. Dwayne Ladle

  • Mrs. Ladle