Scouts wash dinosaurs at Gartenschau

Saturday was the perfect day for about 70 boys and girls and their family members to wash the dinosaurs at the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau. Misao Ford, a member of Troop 196, Barbarossa District, Transatlantic Council, Boy Scouts of America, made this task his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

The 14-year-old freshman at Ramstein High School had the intention of finding a service project that would benefit the community. With the help of the German-American Community Office, a contact between him and the Gartenschau was established.

“I visited the Gartenschau and discussed the possible project,” Misao said. “I think the project will benefit the community in many ways, most importantly the disabled who are beneficiaries of the Gartenschau, which is run by the Lebenshilfe charity association.”

Gartenschau spokeswoman Sandra Laux said she was happy to be able to arrange something for the Scout troop.

“The dinosaurs are one of our main attractions, and it was a nice coincidence that the GACO asked us about something we could task the Scouts with,” Mrs. Laux said. “We needed the washing done before a special company will be able to repair and restore the dinosaurs.”

The Scouts and their family members washed dinosaurs with brushes and a special environmentally friendly soap. It took them about two hours to get 50 dinosaurs clean of dirt from recent years. This is the largest project Misao has ever organized by himself, he said.

“I help with community projects when I have the opportunity. Service and citizenship are a part of my Boy Scout troop and church youth program
activities,” Misao said.

The Gartenschau is looking for godparents who would like to support the repair and maintenance works with donations. As a thank you, little boards with the donors’ names will be put up in front of the corresponding dinosaurs.

For more information, call the Gartenschau at 0631-71007-13 or e-mail info@gartenscahu-kl.de.