Lawrence Scout Builds, Donate Picnic Tables to Lawrence Community Center

Eagle Scout candidate Tanmay Rao of BSA Troop 27 in Lawrenceville is on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. 

On Thursday Sept. 19, Rao, a junior at The Lawrenceville School, accompanied Scoutmaster Mike Grzankowski and his fellow scouts as he handed over six picnic tables to Christine Lee, Director of the Lawrence Community Center on Eggerts Crossing.  

Over the summer Rao led more than 20 youth and adults who volunteered more than 200 hours to help build the picnic tables for his Eagle Scout community service project. 

“This service project has been an amazing learning experience for me," Rao said. "Right from the idea stage to the researching of the design, fundraising, planning for supplies against the design, buying the supplies, recruiting volunteers, organizing, leading and managing the actual construction.  I would not have been able to do this without the invaluable support and guidance of my Scoutmaster Mr. Grzankowski and my Eagle advisor Mr. Camastra."

Rao said he is happy that for his Eagle service project he was able to do something for the LCC again. He believes that LCC is doing a real service to the community. They have nearly 82 students in the summer camp and they support so many students through the year. He is glad that now the children will have enough tables for them to use when they are outside.  

The extended community of Troop 27, friends, family and co-workers supported the project by participating in the fundraiser held at Colonial Lanes early this summer. Heath Lumber, the local lumber supplier, gave a generous discount on the materials used in the construction of this community project.  

Scoutmaster Grzankowski and his wife Lisa opened up their home during construction, lending work space, tools, time and the inputs required for the successful construction of the tables.  

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, in community service and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.

Rao has been in scouting since he was six.