Blessing the Eagle Scout Benches

Brantlee Griffith, a recent graduate of Dana Hills High School and member of Neighborhood Congregational Church, designed, crafted, and built three unique benches for the church courtyard for his Eagle Scout Service Project last January.  This Sunday, Neighborhood Church will honor Brantlee’s important work as we bless the three benches immediately following our 10AM worship service, where Brantlee will also be performing as a solo violist.  All are invited and welcome to attend.

Last winter, Neighborhood Church removed grass to install a low-water, sustainable garden on the corner of Glenneyre and St. Ann’s. Brantlee designed the benches to complement that effort and to mirror the unique, artistic community in Laguna. Each bench is different. “I wanted the benches to reflect the community:  One uses skimboards for the back of the bench to recognize the surf culture, and another has a sunburst to show the beautiful sunsets we have in Laguna,” said Brantlee. He and his team of youth and adults put in over 250 volunteer hours designing and building the benches.

Earning Eagle Scout requires commitment over a period of years to learn outdoor skills, earn at least 21 merit badges in different areas of interest, do community service projects, and learn leadership by holding various troop positions. Brantlee surpassed the requirements, demonstrated he lives by the principals of the Scout Oath and Law, and proved he has the character of an Eagle Scout.  Brantlee has been a member of Troop 772 in Laguna Niguel since seventh grade. He’s held the positions of Quartermaster, Leave No Trace Trainer, Patrol Leader, and Instructor. He’s also Vice President of Venturing Crew 772, a co-ed high adventure group for youth 14-21 years old. He’s done extensive backpacking in the Sierras, canoed the Colorado River, experienced Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and climbed Mt. Whitney - twice. He’s an AP Scholar with Honors, Varsity Letterman on the Cross Country team, Varsity Hurdler on the Track team, Orchestra Viola Section Leader, and President of the Junior Achievement Club.