Scouts Spruce Up Raupp Museum Gardens

Despite a light rain and a high of only 50 degrees, 15 members of Cub Scout Pack 36 and their families spent Saturday morning assisting in a beautification project at the .

“The Scouts are encouraged to do beautification projects during May,” Andrew Stein, the Pack’s Cubmaster, explained. “The Raupp Museum is part of Buffalo Grove’s heritage, and it is nice to do a project that people can see and appreciate.”

Prior to the Scouts digging in and planting geraniums, celosias and petunias in the flower beds in the front of the museum, Museum Coordinator Debbie Fandrei explained how to dig holes for the flowers and spread the mulch. She also explained that mulch retains moisture for plants, and that worms are good for the soil.

The Scouts are between 6 and 10 years old. Parents were advised to remove the plants from their plastic containers, and the Scouts wore either vinyl exam gloves or gardening gloves to keep their hands clean. The boys dug holes, carefully planted flowers and eagerly looked for worms, while several of the parents shoveled mulch into wheelbarrows to be placed around the flowers. The project took one hour to complete.

Scouts participating in the beautification project will receive segments on their brag vests.

For Scout Jeffrey Cimino, this was his first experience with gardening. “I think it’s important that he learns to help the community,” his father, Larry, said.

“It’s nice to get involved with others, and the beautification project benefits the community,” said Tiger Cub Den leader Kim Hammon, whose son, Jacob, is also a member of the Pack.

“Working in the garden is also fun,” she said. “The museum is a great location for this project, as the kids can see what they’ve done, all summer long.”

According to Stein, all members of the Pack are from Buffalo Grove. For some Scouts, this was the not their first time planting flowers. 

“I have planted seeds at home,” Kevin Brumby said. “This is my second time working on a beautification project. It’s always cloudy and windy on these days.”

Fandrei encouraged the workers, telling them, “You’re doing a beautiful job. I’d hire you guys any day.”

“My son is here today, and I think it’s great that parents can work together with their sons,” Bin Liu said.

“I’m glad to be here,” Liu’s son, Richard, said.

After the planting and mulching were completed, Stein reflected on the project. “We had a great turnout today, despite the weather. We also had to compete with soccer and baseball. Debbie did a heck of a great job with the kids, and I’m glad we could do the project at the museum,” he said.

“We’re always happy to have volunteers at the museum. It’s great to have the museum look good, inside and out,” Fandrei said. As everyone cleaned up, Fandrei thanked the volunteers for their help. 

Stein told the boys that they did a great job. “We have some dedicated Scouts,” he said.