David Dickerson Completes Eagle Scout Project at Camp Cullom

The pinnacle rank in Boy Scouts is that of “Eagle”.  Only 4 percent of the youth entering Scouting ever achieve the rank.

One of many requirements for the rank is for the candidate to complete his own project.  Requirements for this project include:

  • Must benefit an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America
  • Must be approved by the organization benefiting from the project
  • Must be planned, developed, and led by the candidate including securing funding if required

David Dickerson with St. Mathew troop 338 recently completed a major refurbishing of the “Galileo Gallery” at Camp Cullom.  The Gallery was originally built about 13 years ago by two Eagle Scout Candidates Nathanial Snyder and Brendin Humrickhouse.

The refurbishing project entailed replacing the seats and backs of the existing benches with new wood and anchors with improvements made in added supports and modified angling for improved comfort.  

The project exceeded 100 total hours to complete including design and construction.  The project was completed on time for the recent 21st annual Camp Cullom Indiana Family Star Party.

Henry Poor Lumber in Lafayette played a critical role in the project, donating all material required for the rebuild.  Mr. Jay Andrews, owner of Henry Poor was Dickerson’s contact.

Knights of Columbus council 5294 of St. Mary’s donated food for the volunteers during construction and provided signage for the completed project.  Jesse Davis with Rossville Schools also donated time to fabricate the permanent sign.

The Galileo Gallery is used for open house nights and academy of science classes and star party events among other activities.  People sitting in the gallery can lean back and look at the heavens while a laser constellation talk takes place or viewing of educational space movies are played with projector and screen at the Observatory.  The gallery easily seats approximately 50 people.

Camp Cullom is a 90 acre camp owned by the children of Clinton County and is a 501(c)(3) and is supported in part by the United Way for Clinton County.

Prairie Grass Observatory. Photo by Erick Dircks