Bobby Ross, a member of Chester County Boy Scout Troop 93, has successfully completed his Eagle Scout project, a significant milestone in his journey toward achieving the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

The project, which benefited The Arc of Chester County, was inspired by Bobby’s personal connection to the organization and his desire to give back to a cause that has profoundly impacted him and his family.

Bobby chose The Arc of Chester County to be the beneficiary of his Eagle project because of the tremendous support it has provided to his cousins, Julia and Ryan, who are on the autism spectrum.

“The Arc has had a great impact on them and our family,” Bobby explained. “I felt it was right to give back to The Arc for all the help, love and support that they have shown to my family. Not to mention my cousin’s mother, my Aunt Kim, works for The Arc and is passionate about advocating for all autistic children and adults needing help.”

The Eagle project involved the construction of a safety fence around an air handling unit and landscaping, which was no small feat.

Bobby demonstrated exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills throughout the process as he learned how to manage and execute a large-scale project.

The first workday presented significant challenges, including digging six 32-inch-deep post holes through rock and concrete, mixing 800 pounds of concrete, and ensuring the posts were perfectly level.

Despite these difficulties, Bobby persevered, by making adjustments and effectively leading his team of over 20 volunteers throughout the two-day weekend.

“I learned from the first day that I needed to give each scout a specific job that worked with their skill set in order to keep everything moving,” Bobby shared.

With the guidance of his Eagle Coach, Tony LaRocca, and the support of his adult Troop Leaders, Bobby successfully completed the project.

Bobby’s journey in scouting began in kindergarten as a Cub Scout, where he enjoyed various outdoor activities with his friends. As he transitioned to Boy Scouts in 5th grade, he was inspired by the older scouts and leaders in Troop 93, as well as his father and grandfather, both former Boy Scouts.

“Making Eagle is important to me because of all the work and time I had put into scouting and what it means to call yourself an Eagle Scout,” Bobby explained.

While Bobby completed his Eagle project before his 16th birthday, he plans to continue to be an active scout in Troop 93 until his 18^th birthday.

As he enters his sophomore year of high school at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE, he hopes his story will inspire others to join scouts and strive for their Eagle rank.

“I hope to go to a good college with good academics and continue to apply what I’ve learned in scouts in order to serve my community,” Bobby said.

“Bobby did an outstanding job planning, communicating and executing this project. We could not be more be proud of him and happy to have such a beautiful and safe enclosure for our children, adults and visitors”, shared Lisa Harner, director of Administration at The Arc of Chester County. “Thank you to Bobby and Chester County Boy Scout Troop 93.”

The mission of The Arc of Chester County is to advocate, educate, and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives.

The Arc’s programs and services enhance quality of life by preparing individuals with the skills and support they need for living in the community and speaking up for their rights.

Today, The Arc serves nearly 3,650 children and adults with disabilities and their families each year through the provision of a lifetime of services beginning at birth and extending through a person’s life.

Find out more about The Arc of Chester County’s programs and service, or make a donation and help support individuals with disabilities and their families.