Scout Builds Outdoor Classroom at St. Joseph the Worker

St. Joseph the Worker School in Orefield has a new outdoor classroom, thanks to the efforts of 2011 grad Ryan Maydick, of South Whitehall.

Over the past year, Maydick created the 600-square-foot space as his Eagle Scout project, with the help of businesses, such as Bracy Contracting and Plantique, and friends. 

On Thursday he was back at the school as Allentown Diocese Bishop John O. Barres blessed the space in front of students, school officials and Maydick's parents.

"Thanks for giving us something so wonderful," Principal Jody Myers told Maydick, now a Central Catholic junior.

Maydick said he came up with the idea after reading about an outdoor classroom being built at a nearby public school.

"We thought that we could do it here,"  he said.

After getting a good response from the teachers he surveyed at the school, Maydick decided to move ahead with the project, especially since he would be doing something for his alma mater.

The space, built outside the school's lower level, has nine cedar benches as well as a cedar table for any teacher using the space. Maydick said the benches are bolted in place but can be moved if needed.

Barres praised Maydick for being a role model, especially for the younger students at St. Joseph the Worker. "Thank you for your leadership," he told him.