Barrington Scout Jacob Dickstein, 15, led the Scouts of Troop 55 Riverside by car, ferry, and bike to complete his Eagle Scout Service Project — they built three pedestrian bridges for The Nature Conservancy at Clay Head Trail on Block Island.

Jacob, who is the senior patrol leader for the Troop 55 Boys troop and a sophomore at Barrington High School, wanted his project to have meaning and impact.  

“I really love the oceans and nature,” Jacob said. “My project allowed me to share both of these passions with my fellow Scouts.”

Jacob worked with Kim Gaffett of The Nature Conservancy, Block Island to understand needs of the Clay Head Trail, a unique parcel of land donated by the Lapham family that invites visitors to discover the beauty of the north end of Block Island via trails across its 150 acres.

Jacob then designed the bridges, worked with local companies to obtain the materials, talked to the Block Island/New Shoreham Town Council to obtain camping permits, got 24 Scouts and leaders excited to join the adventure, and loaded all of the wood, camping gear, and food into a rented van for the trip over.

Jacob led the Scouts and adults to carryout his vision, adapting whenever there were rocks in the way (literally), and staying hydrated during the hot summer day.

Chris Cunha, Scoutmaster of Troop 55 Boys, was impressed with Jacob’s work. 

“Jacob did an amazing job planning,” Cunha said. “His leadership on site was great so we got the project done.”

Kim Gaffett of The Nature Conservancy Block Island added: “Jacob and the Scouts of Troop 55 did an impressive job accomplishing so much.”

With project finished, and school started, Jacob’s journey to Eagle will require him to write up what he learned from his project and finishing up a few merit badges.  

“I hope to be an Eagle Scout in the new year,” Jacob said.

For more information on Troop 55, visit www.troop55riverside.org