Boy Scout Jake Greivenkamp smiled as he watched children scurry around bringing him wooden boards to add to a castle they were building in the playground at Valley View Early Learning Center last Thursday afternoon.
Several months ago, the 17-year-old Salpointe Catholic High School senior was looking for an Eagle Scout project and he approached the center's director, Dana Mulay.
The pair came up with the idea to create a large-scale building toy similar to Lincoln Logs for the children at the school to create with.
"There are all kinds of skills built into this toy," Mulay said. "It encourages children to think creatively, problem-solve and work together in teams."
John Greivenkamp, a Scout leader and Jake's father, said one of the purposes of the Eagle Scout project is to demonstrate leadership.
People are also reading…
Jake, with the help of volunteers, took sheets of marine plywood and designed, cut, stained and sanded the wood to make the interactive toy.
After delivering it to the school, at 3435 E. Sunrise Drive, he worked with the children to build structures with the wooden pieces.
"It was great to see how enthusiastic the kids were," he said. "I hope they will enjoy using it for years to come and learn a lot from it."
The children eagerly took part in the activity.
"I am going to build a cave," said 4-year-old Tommy Lindgren. "I need some help from the teachers and the kids."
Contact photographer Jill Torrance at jtorrance@azstarnet.com or 954-3146.
