By Meg Hibbert
Contributing Writer
The Bible Playground at Keystone Community Center in Southeast Roanoke is being enhanced by Glenvar High School junior Connor Dillon’s Eagle Scout project.
Dillon and fellow Scouts in Troop 352 erected two flagpoles and flags that were dedicated on Aug. 14 in a ceremony at the community center.
Later this year Dillon plans to build and install four six-foot-benches that convert into picnic tables, along with 15 stump tables.
“I wanted to know more about Keystone and their cause,” Dillon said, explaining why he chose the center for his Eagle project, “and I liked what their mission is.”
Keystone Community Center provides after-school tutoring for students in grades kindergarten through fifth, a summer camp, adult Bible programs and a community garden, the “Garden of Eden,” where kids and adults grow vegetables for their families and learn to can and freeze them.
The garden is at the center located on 17th Street SE in the Fallon Park neighborhood.
“I got to meet some of the kids last week at the flagpole dedication when the center gave out backpacks,” Dillon said. His fellow Scouts Mia, Carter and Seth who helped were present that night. They are also Glenvar High School students.
The American flag on one of the 12-foot-tall flagpoles was donated, and Dillon purchased the Christian flag for the other pole. Dillon said he is asking for donations to get supplies for the tables and benches.
Scout Troop 352, which meets at Locust Grove United Methodist Church, is led by Aaron Smith. Dillon’s parents, Shannon and Sue Ellen Dillon, are also both Scout leaders. Connor Dillon is on the wrestling team at Glenvar High School.
Pat Carter praised Dillon and the other Scouts. She has been the executive director of Keystone Community Center for 18 years. “It was great to see Connor and the other Scouts working together. They represented the Scouts very well,” she said.
Last week during the flagpole dedication the center gave out 93 backpacks for students from preschool to adults. “They were all custom packed with supplies according to the school and grades they were in,” she added.
Plans for the Bible Playground include various activities, and even horseshoe pit and soccer. “For every station you go to there is signage that refers that activity back to the Bible,” Carter said.
She added, “Connor showed leadership when he was here working for other Scouts and was very professional.” She said she has known him and his family for eight years, “and he is always very polite and helpful to people.”
Dillon plans to have the benches and tables installed by October 18 when they are dedicated at a fall festival for the community. And in December, the center plans a live nativity with animals, Carter said.
The center started in 1939 and is a ministry of the Roanoke Valley Baptist Center.
