POWNAL — Thanks to the efforts of a Cumberland teenager, campers at Bradbury Mountain State Park can stay covered and dry this summer inside a new lean-to.
James Molloy, who completed the project last October to become an Eagle Scout, built the lean-to at secluded Campsite 12.
The Greely High School student chose the project last May, saying last week that “I like to build stuff, and I just thought that this would be a cool thing to do.”
He approached Fritz Applebee, the park manager, for ideas about what could be built. A lean-to like those at other campsites at the park was Molloy’s favorite among the options Applebee offered, and the then-14-year-old set to work on the project last September with the help of friends, fellow scouts and parents.
Molloy also produced a thorough write-up as part of the project.
“It needs to be really detailed and specific, so a kid getting off the bus from New York could pick it up and go build (a lean-to),” Molloy said last week.
Another challenge he faced was to line up help on specific days and ensure his team would be there when needed. Along with the construction skills he learned from the project, Molloy said he gleaned planning, time-management and leadership experience.
Construction on the lean-to took place over nearly 300 hours during multiple weekends last fall. The timber-framed and pine-sided shelter measures 8 feet by 10 feet and can hold six people.
Molloy, who became an Eagle Scout in March, said he was happy to have finished the project and is proud of his work.
Some of the project time Molloy logged included soliciting materials from donors. Among those contributing materials or services were Hancock Lumber, Sullivan Lumber of New Gloucester, Maschino and Sons Lumber of New Gloucester, Windham building contractor Don Nichols, Lowe’s, and Maine Custom Woodlots of Pownal.
Alex Lear can be reached at 373-9060 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net.
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James Molloy of Cumberland completed construction of a lean-to at a Bradbury Mountain State Park campsite last October to become an Eagle Scout.
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