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02/03/2016 08:00 AM

Boy Scouts Build it Big


These chairs are not for giants, instead they are for lots of people to gather together at Camp Hazen. They were constructed as an Eagle Scout project by Adam Dalterio.

Some may have already seen the larger than life Adirondack chair that now graces a new outdoor gathering area at Camp Hazen in Chester. The Jack-in-the-Bean Stalk-sized relaxing structure was recently completed by Chester native and long time boy scout, 17 year-old Adam Dalterio, who chose to create and build the mammoth 8 foot high, 5 ½ foot wide, and 12 foot long chair as part of his final Eagle Scout project.

Dalterio first decided this giant undertaking would be his Eagle Project two years ago. Since that time, he has learned the Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) system, with the help of Valley Regional high school tech-ed teacher Tom Taber, and designed the plans for this large chair using that intricate application. He hopes to employ those skills in the future when he sets off for college to major in mechanical engineering.

“Boy Scouts in general helps you learn things you will use throughout the rest of your life,” said Dalterio, who chose this project because he likes building things and it sounded like it would be challenging and fun. He worked on this oversized undertaking in his garage on weekends and after school with the help of friends, family, and fellow boy scouts.

“This is a pretty big accomplishment and it took a lot of work, but I am glad I chose to do it,” said Dalterio, who is in the final stages of completing the necessary paper work to accompany his project so he can officially earn the ranking of Eagle Scout, the highest ranking Boy Scouts.

“I would encourage other kids to join Boy Scouts because you learn so much, especially about camping and nature and outside education,” said Dalterio, who has been involved in scouting since he was 12. “You are exposed to a lot of new things that you wouldn’t otherwise get to learn about and you meet lots of people. It’s a good way to connect with others.”

“Boys Scouts has been wonderful for the entire family. It has taught Adam a lot of new things and challenged him in new ways. As a mother, I would say it has been a great experience,” said Adam’s mother Linda Dalterio.