Cub Scouts Transform Ridgeway Fire Company Landscaping

Once an island of patchy grass and weeds, the landscaping in front of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company is now full of life thanks to the efforts of local Cub Scouts. 

Den One of Manchester Pack 44 — known as the Wolves — finished its adopt-a-spot project on Tuesday evening. Local merchants donated supplies and 11 scouts and their parents put in about 40 man hours for the project which will earn the 8-year-olds a World Conservation Award, said den leader Bob Becker.

"It's mainly about giving back," Becker said. "And the lesson they'll learn is that it's OK to do something without getting something in return. It's them volunteering their time and earning an award for it. It doesn't always have to be about money."

The entire den began the project last week, completing the renovation of half the island by covering the formerly unkempt area with fresh woodchips and planting evergreens, rose bushes, and marigolds. Becker and a few others put the finishing touches on this week. 

Plants were donated by Berry Fresh Too, AC Hess, and Seaside Farm and Market in Toms River, Cedar Post in Lakehurst, and Cedar Gardens in Bayville, Becker said. 

The Ridgeway fire department is the charter organization for the troop, so the project presented an opportunity for the scouts to help the organization, Becker said. 

"They let us use their building, they help out with events," Becker said. "So we wanted to give back to them."

Becker's son Sean and fellow scout Robbie pitched in; the boys said that they enjoy helping their community. When asked if seeing the results of their efforts makes them proud, they responded "yes."

"This teaches them about citizenship, about giving back to the community," Becker said. 

Becker said he hopes the new landscaping — which will be maintained by the scouts to reflect the changing seasons — will catch the eyes of passersby and encourage parents to get their children involved with scouting.

"It's a good recruiting tool," Becker said. "We're going to have the sign out and people driving by might see that we did this. It might help us get somebody to join scouts."

Those interested in joining can contact Becker by email or call the Clayton Scout Service Center at 732-349-1037. A recruitment event will be held at on Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m.