Graduating Amador Senior earns Eagle Scout

Chase Barkdull, of Pleasanton Boy Scout Troop 947, recently completed his Eagle project and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Barkdull’s Eagle project was to work with a non-profit organization in Oakland, California called Beyond Emancipation, which assists former foster youths with guidance, education, and housing once they age out of the foster system. Barkdull says that he chose this particular project over other donation projects because, “ I wanted to find an organization where I could make a difference in the lives of local youth. I was grateful to find the Beyond Emancipation group, knowing [that] the backpacks and school supplies were in great demand.”

The details of Barkdull’s Eagle Project were to collect a goal of 40 backpacks that would each contain two notebooks; two pencils; a red and blue pen; and a hand sanitizer bottle. Members of Troop 947, including Barkdull, stood outside a local OfficeMax, passing out fliers and explaining the Eagle Project to people entering the store for possible donations. The following week, Barkdull organized a call day to neighbors, friends, and family members for more donations. The entire scout troop with parents collected and assembled the backpacks with the necessary supplies. In the end, Barkdull collected and delivered 87 backpacks, each containing two notebooks, one folder, four blue pens, four red pens, six pencils, one black pen, and a hand sanitizer bottle. “Delivering the backpacks was the highlight of my project,” Barkdull insists, “education is a huge part of finding success in life. One of the things the organization creates is a desire to receive an education and you need the proper tools to be educated.” Barkdull believes that the youth need the supplies to bring education, and therefore, success into their lives. Christopher Walker, Beyond Emancipation Community Engagement Specialist gratefully expressed his appreciation to the new Eagle Scout as he said that he,”just want[ed] to thank you again for all the hard work with the backpack drive. I’m not sure you have any idea, how much that meant for the youth that I work with. Thank you again for thinking of Beyond Emancipation.” Troop 947 is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.