Old Colony Archives
Efforts of an Eagle clear land at camp
By Laura McLean, Standard-Times correspondent
March 17, 2002
Mattapoisett -- Boy Scout Seamus Lavalley recently cleared the overgrown vegetation at Camp Massasoit's ballfield and, in the process, hopefully cleared his way to becoming an Eagle Scout.
The project sounds simple, but anyone who has ever had to retrieve a foul ball from that neck of the woods knows differently.
"Before, it was a dense wall of brambles and fallen trees," said 17-year-old Seamus. "It was impenetrable. Afterwards, you could walk clear through to the other side. It's amazing because you could now see a person on the other side. Now, ball retrieval is good and the fence was saved from being distorted."
"The surrounding environment needs continual care, and as a non-profit, Camp Massasoit is always open to volunteer assistance," said Seamus. "It was decided I would clear out behind the fence of the softball field so balls hit during games could be recovered more easily and to take the pressure and weight off the fence itself."
Performing the service project took an entire day, beginning early in the morning. But the planning, organizing and required written work, encompassed several weeks. With the help of Scoutmaster Frank Wheeler and Assistant Scoutmaster Dr. Philip Gaudet as well as Camp Director Doreen Murphy, Seamus took on the Y Camp's field for his service project.
Seamus got help from other Scouts in the troop, their parents, troop leaders and even his little sister, Bridget, but he directed all tasks and saw to all the minute details – from providing tools and refreshments to budgeting time, coordinating truck runs and seeing that everything was carried out safely.
"It taught me how to be responsible for a situation and to organize the workers," he said. Having been a Scout since he was 5 has taught him about dedication. Now in his sixth year as a Boy Scout, actually a "Life Scout," he has risen through the ranks and hopes to continue after he attains Eagle status. He is currently one of only three applicants for the Eagle in Mattapoisett.
The project is only one phase of becoming an Eagle Scout. Seamus holds 21 merit badges for activities such as camping, wood carving, cooking, and even space exploration.
On Scouting he says, "It's interesting and educational. Scouting teaches you life skills and social skills you wouldn't get sitting around at home."
Seamus is a senior at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, where he is majoring in culinary arts. He has worked as a chef in and out of school and said his ambition is to become a food stylist for magazines and commercials.
"A member of the Culinary Institute of America came to Old Colony and said one of the jobs you could do would be a food stylist. I like cooking, but I love to do presentations."
His mother, Liz, is most appreciative of his cooking talents. "From time to time, he'll bring home things he's been working on at school and then the family gets to munch on fresh fruit tarts, hermits, danish, cheese cake and other yummy stuff. That's the best kind of homework!"
At school, Seamus is a member of the Safe School Alliance, a student organization that promotes tolerance and a safe environment in the school. He possesses a flair for music, and plays in a two-person electronic band called A Rose in April -- www.mp3.com/aroseinapril. He attributes his talent to his father Steve, who is a musician and songwriter and a member of the band Jade. Seamus likes to perform and choreograph, and has played at school dances and talent shows.