A knack for goodwill and a passion for community service runs deep in the Bourque family’s blood. Andrew Bourque is the second family member to recently go above and beyond the normal community service project required for earning the prestigious eagle scout title.
Inspired by a newspaper article, Bourque chose to focus his service project on helping area foster children. However, he didn’t want to just raise money or awareness, instead Bourque wanted to provide the children with a chance to forget their troubles and bond with other foster children.
“I've really always felt that foster children were the forgotten victims or kids that needed more community support,” Bourque said.
So, at 16 years old, the Bradwell Institute student says he started the enormous undertaking of planning a foster children’s fair. The planning started in March 2007 and lasted until the day of the fair, May 10. Thirty-five local foster children attendedt.
Bourque says he chose to plan a fair because he wanted to provide the children with a day of fun and time to spend with friends.
“Foster kids go through trials and challenges that most kids have no concept or understanding of, such as moving constantly, getting used to new parents and siblings,” Bourque said. “I think that they need a lot more opportunities for fellowship and to support each other because foster kids understand what other foster kids go through and they help each other.”
Bourque didn’t anticipate planning the event would turn out to be such an adventure and an educational experience in itself. The scout says he grew a lot during that time period.
“I made a lot of mistakes along the way which helped me to learn that as long as you keep improving and learn from your mistakes everything will turn out the way it's supposed to.”
Although Bourque led the project, he received a lot of help and sponsorship from local churches and businesses. His family and friends in Troop 401 also volunteered their time to help.
“My mother sacrificed a lot of time, money and patience to see my project completed,” Bourque said. “I am really indebted to her for the service that she has rendered to me throughout my life and my eagle scout project.”
So what’s next for this young man?
It comes as no surprise he has big plans to continue bettering the world and serving others.
“After I graduate, I plan to go on a two-year service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am going on a two-year mission so that I can serve others to a much greater extent and to prepare emotionally and spiritually for college and, in the future, marriage.”
After his mission, Bourque plans to attend Brigham Young University to study psychology and work with traumatized war veterans.
Bourque’s brother, Christopher, also recently completed his eagle scout community service project. To read more about his project, visit www.coastalcourier.com/news/archive/7323.
Inspired by a newspaper article, Bourque chose to focus his service project on helping area foster children. However, he didn’t want to just raise money or awareness, instead Bourque wanted to provide the children with a chance to forget their troubles and bond with other foster children.
“I've really always felt that foster children were the forgotten victims or kids that needed more community support,” Bourque said.
So, at 16 years old, the Bradwell Institute student says he started the enormous undertaking of planning a foster children’s fair. The planning started in March 2007 and lasted until the day of the fair, May 10. Thirty-five local foster children attendedt.
Bourque says he chose to plan a fair because he wanted to provide the children with a day of fun and time to spend with friends.
“Foster kids go through trials and challenges that most kids have no concept or understanding of, such as moving constantly, getting used to new parents and siblings,” Bourque said. “I think that they need a lot more opportunities for fellowship and to support each other because foster kids understand what other foster kids go through and they help each other.”
Bourque didn’t anticipate planning the event would turn out to be such an adventure and an educational experience in itself. The scout says he grew a lot during that time period.
“I made a lot of mistakes along the way which helped me to learn that as long as you keep improving and learn from your mistakes everything will turn out the way it's supposed to.”
Although Bourque led the project, he received a lot of help and sponsorship from local churches and businesses. His family and friends in Troop 401 also volunteered their time to help.
“My mother sacrificed a lot of time, money and patience to see my project completed,” Bourque said. “I am really indebted to her for the service that she has rendered to me throughout my life and my eagle scout project.”
So what’s next for this young man?
It comes as no surprise he has big plans to continue bettering the world and serving others.
“After I graduate, I plan to go on a two-year service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am going on a two-year mission so that I can serve others to a much greater extent and to prepare emotionally and spiritually for college and, in the future, marriage.”
After his mission, Bourque plans to attend Brigham Young University to study psychology and work with traumatized war veterans.
Bourque’s brother, Christopher, also recently completed his eagle scout community service project. To read more about his project, visit www.coastalcourier.com/news/archive/7323.