🏫 Rebuilding The Dell at Tuscan School

This summer, Life Scout Keegan B. of Troop 5, Maplewood completed his Eagle Scout Service Project—a full restoration of The Dell, an outdoor classroom and gathering space at Tuscan Elementary School. The project transformed the overgrown, uneven area into a beautiful, functional space for students and teachers to enjoy outdoor learning and community events.

Originally built more than two decades ago, The Dell had fallen into disrepair. Benches were rotting, borders had deteriorated, and the space was often muddy and unsafe after rain. Working with Tuscan School administrators and the Maplewood–South Orange School District, Keegan developed a plan to rebuild the site from the ground up—replacing old timbers, leveling the seating area, and installing new stone and wood features to make the space both welcoming and long-lasting.

Over the course of several weekends, Henry led a team of fellow Scouts, parents, and volunteers to remove debris, rebuild the timber walls, reset the bench seating, and install new gravel and mulch. The result is a clean, stable, and inviting outdoor classroom that teachers can once again use for lessons, performances, and community programs.

“The Dell was a special part of my time at Tuscan, and I wanted to give back by making sure future students could enjoy it, too,” said Henry B. “I learned a lot about leadership, planning, and teamwork—and it was rewarding to see it all come together.”

The project required dozens of hours of work and careful coordination with the school and district facilities staff, along with support from local donors who provided materials and supplies.

Troop 5 is proud of Keegan B. for his leadership, craftsmanship, and dedication to giving back to the Maplewood community. His work at Tuscan School ensures that The Dell will continue to inspire outdoor learning and creativity for years to come.