Matt Pennock has completed construction of five new picnic tables for Morgan’s Grove Park. The project, which Pennock began nearly a year ago, will see total completion later this month when he brings his report before the Review Board at the Boy Scout Council in Winchester, Va.

“It took longer than I expected,” Pennock said of the total project. Planning included identifying a project then getting all of the approvals to move forward.

Pennock worked closely with members of the Shepherdstown Community Club who own the park. The club officials had to sign off on the project both at the start and at its completion.

“Club president Tom Huddleston said this week, “This was an A-1 job. When I saw the completed tables, I was astounded.”

The 8-foot tables were fully constructed of treated lumber to mirror tables already in place at the park’s pavilion. The current tables are in need of repair and/or replacement so the Community Club saw Pennock’s project as a perfect fit for their needs. Club member Mike Austin said that the Club’s goal is to replace all 18 of the tables that are currently in existence at the park.

In addition to planning the project, raising the needed funds and purchasing all materials, Pennock was responsible for overseeing the construction. He received assistance from other scouts and adults to help complete the project. Six Scouts, in addition to Pennock, worked alongside seven adult helpers.

Pennock shared that he felt the most difficult part of the project was getting everything ready prior to the actual construction. Once the materials were purchased, he said that the construction took approximately two days, one to cut all the wood and one to assemble the tables.

Weighing in at nearly 200 pounds each, the delivery of the tables to Morgan’s Grove was another challenge.

“It took four people to carry each one,” Pennock said.

Pennock, a Jefferson High School senior has been involved with scouting since being a Cub Scout in his early youth. In addition, he plays football and is on the track team at Jefferson.

He explained that ever since he began in scouting he has wanted to complete the Eagle Scout.

“I have a lot of family involved in scouting,” he shared, “including my dad and two cousins.”

Pennock is a member of Scout Troop 42 that meets at Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town.

“I grew up around the park,” Pennock said of his decision to complete his Eagle project at Morgan’s Grove.. “Id like to give back to it.”

Pennock hopes to appear before the Review Board on July 16 for their approval of his completed project.