On Wed., Aug. 13, during the International Pathfinder Camporee, several clubs worked together on a community service project at the Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh, Wis.. 

Pathfinder clubs from Avon Park, Fla., Lewisville, Texas and the St. George's club from Bermuda worked together to improve the gardens of this historic estate.

The Paine Art Center and Gardens serves as a multi-faceted museum for learning and inspiration.  It was founded by Nathan and Jessie Kimberly Paine who owned the Paine Lumber Company in the 1920s.  The museum preserves the mansion, surrounding structures and art collections. Outdoors, numerous display gardens or “galleries” of horticulture abound with thousands of beautiful and unique plants.

Sheila Glaske, curator of horticulture at the botanical gardens in the 13-acre complex said they were very grateful for the valuable services the Pathfinders provided.  In the summer, the center has three to four weddings each weekend. Normally, they have to hire workers who take several days to clean the grounds and chairs and prepare the outdoor setting for the season’s weddings. The museum is funded by an endowment and also relies on donations and rental fees. According to Glaske, the large group of Pathfinders was able to come in and do in a matter of hours what normally takes several days and many dollars for the non-profit organization to complete. 

While the Pathfinders worked diligently, Catherine Collins from Avon Park, Fla., led her group of 19 Pathfinders in singing songs, which made the work go faster. Jamie Guerra, from Lewisville, Texas, said his Pathfinder group was small but dedicated as they worked hard in the gardens. Frederica Tucker and Sandra Muniz from the St. George's Bermuda club got their hands dirty showing the youth how to thoroughly clean the outdoor chairs in the gardens.

“Many hands make light work” seems an appropriate adage for this day. The Pathfinders provided a much needed service saving the museum time and money. They learned a little bit about giving back in the process.  Pathfinders Cecil and Madi from Lewisville, Texas, summed it up by saying, “I think it’s fun because we are helping the people to have a nice wedding.”
 

Home | News | Photos | Contact Us