Eagle Scout Project – Complete!

GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit is an achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, but our reach goes beyond the participant and encompasses their whole family. We pride ourselves in being a place where parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers can make connections and find support in community where they share unique experiences.

Last year an aspiring Eagle Scout, named Garrett Brockman, reached out to us and shared his desire to make a positive impact on a place that has meant so much to him and his family. He asked thoughtful questions about the needs of our facility, and proposed several creative ideas for the completion of his Eagle Scout project.

As our programs and the supplies they require have expanded over the years, we were in dire need of storage solutions. Garrett and our Programs Coordinator, Kathleen Tynes, met several times at the Playhouse with a tape measure and a notebook, dreaming up new cabinets, moving existing shelving, and creating bins and boxes from scratch.

Garrett’s “can-do” attitude, paired with the many checkpoints in the Eagle Scout system, made working with him a delight.

We are sending sincere gratitude to Garrett, Mr. and Mrs. Brockman, a few other parents, and over 20 members of Boy Scout Troop 263 for our BEAUTIFUL new cabinets, the storage cubbies in the space off the kitchen, the new wooden boxes to hold our exercise equipment, and all the cleaning and organizing they accomplished while volunteering at our Playhouse!  

This is what Garrett had to say about the project: 

Why did you choose GiGi’s Playhouse as the recipient of your time and service?   

My brother, Avery, has Down Syndrome, and I wanted my Eagle Scout project to be for a cause I am passionate about. [My brother] started participating in programs at GiGi’s Playhouse a few years ago, leading me to reach out about a possible Eagle Scout project. After a while of back and forth communication, I appreciated the kindness and effort the volunteers put into the organization, and I became passionate about the project and how much impact it would have on the organization when it was completed.

Where did the funding for the project come from? 

I raised all of the money for my project through three can and bottle drives and a few small donations. The first one I did in a few neighborhoods near my house with another scout in my troop, and we split the money (upwards of $1800) between our respective Eagle Scout projects. The second I did with GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, collecting bottle and can donations from the families of the Playhouse (around $300). The third I did with family and friends, collecting any other donations I could get ($400+). Through all of this, I was able to raise over $1,700 for my project and GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. 

What was the most challenging part of the project? 

The most challenging (and time consuming) part of the project was definitely the fundraising. I had to return many, many cans and bottles. At one point, a spot in my garage the size and height of a car were filled with returnables! Another major challenge was definitely finding the time in my busy schedule to plan and coordinate every part of the project. 

What was the most rewarding part of the project? 

The most rewarding part, as with most projects, was most definitely the ability to see the end result after all of the hard work everyone put into it. Seeing the progress from beginning to end was the best end to all of the hard work put into the project. 

Garrett has certainly demonstrated the qualities of an Eagle Scout, which are leadership, citizenship, and responsibility. We are thankful for his time, generosity, resourcefulness, and follow through. Without a doubt, he will continue to do great things in the world.

We hope to see Garrett, Avery, and their wonderful parents back at the Playhouse in the near future!