Building the Future, Restoring the Past
One Scout’s journey to restore a historic CCC shelter and spark a movement for future youth projects
When sixteen-year-old Scout Isaac Hamann first saw the historic picnic shelter at Beacon Rock State Park, he saw more than moss and a failing roof, he saw a chance to honor the legacy of community service that shaped Washington’s parks.
Built in the 1930s by the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the shelter stood as a reminder of a time when young men worked through hardship for their families to build something lasting for the public good. Nearly a century later, Isaac followed in their footsteps, leading his Eagle Scout Service Project to restore this treasured structure and continue the tradition of stewardship that began with the CCC.
A Mission to Preserve History
The shelter’s cedar-shake roof had deteriorated from years of exposure to rain, wind, and moss. Isaac set an ambitious goal: raise $21,000 to repair the roof using historically accurate materials and techniques that would preserve its authenticity.
Originally launched through Isaac’s PayPal campaign, the project gained new life when the Washington State Parks Foundation partnered with him to adopt it as a Foundation-led effort. WSPF created a full fundraising campaign complete with video storytelling, email appeals, and press outreach. The result was remarkable: longtime WSPF donors and new supporters came together to surpass expectations and raise $26,000, giving generously to ensure this historic structure would stand for generations to come.
Together with park staff, volunteers, and his fellow Scouts, Isaac helped rebuild the roof, clean and refinish the beams, and return the shelter to its former beauty. The project demonstrated how history and community spirit can combine to achieve something extraordinary.
From One Scout to the Next
Isaac’s accomplishment is more than a single restoration – it’s a spark for what comes next. The Foundation is now developing a “Scout Leaders for Parks” initiative, connecting Scouts across Washington with real restoration needs in our state parks.
The idea is simple but powerful: just as the CCC mobilized young people to strengthen our public lands, today’s Scouts can carry that torch, repairing trails, shelters, and historic sites while learning leadership, craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship.
“As we look ahead,” says John Floberg, Executive Director of the Washington State Parks Foundation, “we hope this partnership will show the way for more Scout projects we can adopt with our donors and funds, helping young leaders make history in our parks.”
A Legacy Worth Preserving
Projects like Isaac’s help show us that the spirit of the CCC is alive and well in the hands of today’s youth. With your help, we can continue this chain of stewardship, connecting past, present, and future through service.
Help Fund the Next Restoration Project
The Washington State Parks Foundation is committed to helping take on the next generation of restoration challenges in our state parks. Your donation keeps these historic structures and other park projects alive. Now you can empower the next generation to build, restore, and create their own legacy in our parks.
