Eagle Scout Candidate Luke Cloran builds new gazebo for the Retreat Center

Troop 174 Scout Luke Cloran reached out to the Saint Joseph Retreat & Conference Center in 2021 to inquire about an Eagle Scout Project.

“While initially, we asked Luke to consider repairing and relocating our current gazebo,” said Father David Huemmer, Chaplain & Spiritual Director, “it became apparent to Luke that a new gazebo would better fit our needs.”  

Luke presented a new design that would feature a larger, square gazebo with screens for the windows and door. Staff at SJRCC then selected a serene location for the gazebo near the woods.
 
“I predict this gazebo will receive a lot of use whether from individuals on personal retreats or as breakout space for group retreats,” said Father Huemmer. 

A senior at Guerin Catholic High School, Luke has attended retreats at SJRCC both as a junior and as a senior retreat leader. 

"This gazebo became more of a mission than a project for me, a way to give back to the retreat center that has influenced my life on retreats over the last two years," said Luke.

During a rainy and snowy spring of 2022, Luke, his family and friends, scouts and scouting dads from Troop 174 from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church built the gazebo from treated lumber, Trex decking, screening material, and roofing shingles.  Over 290 man hours went into the building of this gazebo.  With his project complete, Luke will submit his binder to the Crossroads of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America for the Board of Review.

Luke is a graduate of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School (2018).  He will graduate from Guerin Catholic High School in May and plans to attend the University of Dayton's Engineering program starting fall of 2022.

Click HERE to see pictures and details about other Eagle Scout Projects at SJRCC!