Nanuet Scout Creates Outdoor Educational Garden

James Camillieri recently completed an educational garden at the Nanuet Outdoor Education Center (OEC) for his Eagle Scout project. The Nanuet High School junior knew he wanted to build something outdoors for his Eagle project so he jumped at the opportunity to create a garden on the former St. Agatha’s property.

Camillieri decided to make it an educational garden to help students learn about planting and gardening through a hands-on approach. The OEC property is owned by the school district.

The garden is 25 feet by 50 feet with six raised beds built of cedar plus four plots surrounded by tall fence posts and fencing. Camillieri began planning the garden in 2011 and in the fall of 2012 started work. The site was dug up and tilled and 20 holes, each three deep were dug for the fence posts. Approximately 375 volunteer hours were donated to build the garden.

Currently, vegetables grown in the garden include tomato plants along with lettuce, pea and carrot seeds. Some or all of the vegetables will be used to feed the horses at the nearby COPS Barn. In the fall the plantings will depend on what the different classes want. Camillieri hopes various grades will be able to use the garden, which is why he built different plots and beds. 

"My hope is that everyone, from K to 12, will be able to enjoy the garden as well as learn from it,” said Camillieri, 17.  “The idea of hands-on learning is important and will hopefully benefit all the children in our district."

Camillieri has been involved in scouting since first grade. He will attend the National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia this summer with his younger brother and thousands of Scouts from across the nation. Camillieri, an honor student, is a member of the Nanuet Varsity Cross Country, Track and Field teams, Nanuet High School Band and Jazz Band and participates in the school musical as well as several clubs and student government. 

Outdoor Garden Project Material, Financial and Food Donors

• Nanuet School District
• Home Depot
• Beckerle Lumber
• Sarvis Tree Company
• O'Sullivan Tree Care
• Clarkstown Rentals
• Robert Alan Agency
• Holt Chiropractic
• Nanuet Animal Hospital
• Bella Luna Restaurant
• Luigi O'Grady's Deli
• The Corner Cafe
• Posa Posa Pizza
• Martio's Pizza
• Wendy's
• Freihofer's Outlet
• Rockland Bakery
• Dunkin Donuts