On October 11, six scouts from Troop 870, alongside friends, family, and adult leaders, worked under the direction of Ella Viau to install a giant Adirondack chair at Dickinson Park. Viau, an Eagle Scout candidate and one of the founding members of Troop 870, envisioned a giant Adirondack chair as something park visitors could enjoy for years to come.

“I wanted my project to foster community in a fun way,” Viau remarked after the work was complete.

The project required two planned work sessions: one to prepare the lumber and build the chair, and a second to transport, assemble, and install the chair at the park. All told, over 75 hours of volunteer time were tracked from project start to completion.

Local businesses supported this project through discounts and donations. Viau recognized Newtown Hardware in Newtown and Ring’s End Lumber in Bethel for their generosity.

Welcoming girls ages 11 to 17, Troop 870 meets weekly at Cullens Youth Association. Scouting America is a year-round program that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help youth become the best version of themselves. Focusing on hands-on activities in the outdoors, the Scouting America program teaches core values of citizenship, service, life skills, fitness, reverence, and leadership development.

For those interested in learning more — without commitment — potential Scouts and their parents/guardians are welcome to attend a weekly meeting. Scouts advance at their own pace, meaning anyone can start practically any time. Visit any of the troop’s regular meetings at Cullens Youth Association, Inc, 72 Taunton Lake Road in Newtown.

For more information, email Scoutmaster Judy Hammel at troop870sm@gmail.com.