There’s an Eagle behind the new wildlife observation blind at Cloverleaf Elementary School.

Jonathan Henn, a 15-year-old sophomore at Cloverleaf High School, recently completed the blind as his Eagle Scout project with Westfield Center Boy Scout Troop 454. The troop is sponsored by Leroy United Methodist Church.

The wildlife blind complements another built last year by local Junior Girl Scout Troop 42. The blinds allow students to get an up-close view of animal life in the wooded area around the school. The second blind means there is now enough space for an entire class to use this “outdoor classroom” at the same time.

Henn, who has been in Scouting since first grade, said his woodworking merit badge was among the favorites he has earned. Managing the construction of the wildlife blind was a good fit with his skills and interests. Henn had multiple meetings with Cloverleaf staff, Scouting leaders, the Medina County Soil and Water Conservation District, and mentor Greg Boltz to plan the project. Lodi Lumber assisted with the construction materials.

The role of the Eagle Scout is to manage the project from start to finish. For Henn – who is used to picking up a hammer and doing hands-on work – it was a challenge to step back and supervise the 15- to 20-member work crews of fellow Scouts and volunteers.

“You have to lead,” Henn said. “It’s a lot easier to show them what to do than to tell them what to do.”
The experience taught him the leader’s role is to make everything come together. The blind was completed in two work sessions in late November. It took about 200 hours of volunteer work to complete the $400 project.

In addition to Scouting, Henn enjoys working at a local dairy farm and lifting weights at the Cloverleaf Recreation Center. He’s interested in the possibility of a career in agriculture, construction or similar outdoor work.

The wildlife observation blind project has been a family affair for the Henns. Jon’s father, Bob, is Troop 454’s Scoutmaster. Jon’s sister, Emily, is a member of the Junior Girl Scout Troop that constructed the other blind. And Jon’s mother, Chris, is a teacher at Cloverleaf Elementary School, where her students are among those who will make use of the new outdoor classroom.

“It’s at my mom’s school,” Henn said, “so that’s pretty neat.

”