WIESBADEN, Germany - For most Boy Scout troops, community service projects are usually dreaded affairs involving cleaning roadsides or clearing trails. This was not the case for Troop 107 in Wiesbaden, which, on Feb. 27, completed a community service project at a 10th Century castle.
The purpose of the project was to restore and clear an area on the grounds of Eppstein Castle, a historic fortification 17 miles from Frankfurt. To reinstate the historical use of the spot, tasks included clearing out brush and briars, marking the locations for vines and repairing the stairs leading up to the castle entrance that, officials say, were so rundown they had become hazardous.
"They removed the stones, leveled the ground for each step and reinstalled them with a lot of back-breaking effort so that the occupants and guests to the castle will now have unimpeded and safer access," explained Neil Ravensbergen, Resident Engineer of the Wiesbaden Resident Office and father to Carl Ravensbergen, a scout in Troop 107.
Other Europe District parents of Troop 107 scouts include Maj. John Drew, Europe District deputy commander, and Col. John Kem, Europe District commander.
"The scouts had fun and worked hard," said Ravensbergen, who added that the scouts later received a tour of the castle museum and camped out overnight on the castle grounds, grilling steaks over a camp fire. "Great thanks go out to the Eppstein Castle preservation foundation for sponsoring Carl's Project."
Benjamin Peschke, Wiesbaden Area Office construction representative, helped set up the event as a member of the Eppstein Castle historical preservation foundation. "I was happy to help the scouts in such a worthwhile project," said Peschke, who participates in many events at the castle, including living history events where he plays a medieval knight. "It's wonderful that they had fun and we got some free help."
Related Links:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District
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