Cushing benefits from Eagle Scout’s honor

Cushing students and adults are enjoying a new sensory path, thanks to the efforts of Eagle Scout Joe Hamblin, a member of Troop 49 in Kingston. 

Hamblin, whose mother, Jane, works at Cushing, has been giving back to the organization over the years — building a compost bin with his troop a few years ago and cleaning the ropes course last spring. To become an Eagle Scout, he had to complete a mandatory leadership and service project benefiting a community institution. When it came time to choose a benefactor for his project, he wanted it to be Cushing. 

“Joey always knew about Cardinal Cushing and the population that we serve, even before he could talk,” said Jane.

She said he thought about some ideas like adding tables or benches or maybe another compost bin, but he wanted to do something more impactful. 

“We talked about something more for the kids to do outside during their free time, and the idea of an outdoor sensory path came to be,” she said. 

“I wanted my Eagle Scout project at Cardinal Cushing to give the opportunity for the students to experience things through sensory, and to have a place to relax, during their leisure time,” said Joe. “I enjoy working with my hands, and seeing the hard work from myself and the troop benefit others. It feels good to give back.”

Once the project was approved, he consulted with Cushing’s occupational therapy and maintenance departments. It was necessary to come up with different textures, visuals and weather-proof items, and the area needed to be prepped before the path could be installed. 

“The maintenance team was very helpful in deciding a good area, and prepping the grounds,” said Jane. “Luckily the weather cooperated, and with a lot of help from his fellow troop members, the path was successfully installed. Joe is hoping this Eagle project is enjoyed by many for years to come.”