In the spring of 2024, the Seven Springs Museum and Historical Society began plans to revitalize the outdoor farm equipment on display. The equipment, now over 100 years old, needed repairs and new signs. It had been last repaired when the museum relocated to the Bodiford House in 2015.
The Historical Society saw this as an excellent opportunity for community involvement, particularly for a local youth group. Several members of the Society are also active members in the American Legion Post 294 in Powder Springs. Since the mid 1990’s, the Post sponsored Scout Troop 1294 and then in 2019 sponsored Scout Troop 2294. It was then suggested that a Scout working toward Eagle rank might benefit from taking on the project.
Mr. Kevin Kamperman, Unit Chairman for both troops, was contacted with the proposal. Soon after, Faith Millena, a dedicated member of Troop 2294 and an Eagle Scout candidate expressed interest. In August 2024, planning began in collaboration with Faith and her family, her scout leaders, and the Historical Society to ensure that the project met the requirements for the Eagle Scout Service Project while also enhancing the museum’s historical displays.
A Distinguished Journey to Eagle
Nationally, only 4% of Scouts who begin their journey to achieve the rank of Eagle actually achieve Eagle Scout . While working on her path to the rank of Eagle, Faith earned a total of 39 badges, camped more than 50 nights and volunteered over 300 service hours. She is also a member of the Order of Arrow, the elite society of Scouting.
Her Eagle Project had to be thoroughly planned and approved by leaders before execution. She met with the Historical Society Board Members several times to determine that the project would be the restoration of outside farm equipment at the museum and at the same time ensuring that this met the requirements for an Eagle Project.
The proposal included a project description, current condition of the equipment, work phases, logistics, leadership roles, materials and supply costs, tools, safety considerations, and a communication plan. Following completion, she submitted a final report evaluating challenges, outcomes, leadership experience, and reflections on the process. All of these were completed before her 18th birthday.
Restoration Work is Underway
Faith’s project, restoring the museum’s antique farm equipment, began hands-on work on November 9, 2024, and concluded by November 26, 2024, spanning five workdays over consecutive weekends. She managed the entire project timeline to ensure it was completed ahead of her 18th birthday in December, as required.
The restoration process included:
Pressure washing and sanding rusted surfaces
Making necessary structural repairs
Painting with rust-resistant coatings
Stabilizing equipment for safety
Installing new descriptive signage for each piece
Faith led a team that included fellow Scouts, friends, family, mentors and Historical Society members. With teamwork, leadership, and careful coordination, she brought new life to these century-old tools of farming.
Acquired Skills and Experience
Through this experience, Faith not only met the rigorous standards for Eagle Scout, but also developed valuable project management, leadership, and communication skills. She learned how to lead volunteers, coordinate logistics, and bring a vision to reality. It also gave her confidence and she proved to herself that she could accomplish something meaningful for her community.
A Community Effort
The Seven Springs Historical Society, its Board Members and the Museum are deeply grateful to Faith and to all who contributed to the project to help Faith become an Eagle Scout.
Faith’s family and friends
Her fellow Scouts and Troop leaders (Troop 1294 and 2294)
The American Legion Post 294
The Boy Scouts of America
Faith’s mentor, Ms. Joleen Reece
The Historical Society members who worked alongside her
What an accomplishment! Thank you all so very much!
The equipment looks great! We have had a lot of good and positive comments on the incredible transformation. The equipment is now visible to everyone who passes by the museum.
We encourage everyone to stop and take a closer look at what Faith and her Eagle Project has done to preserve the 100 plus year-old farm equipment.
Again, “Thank You!”, Faith.
Your dedication, leadership, and service to the community have left a lasting legacy. Congratulations on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor well deserved and a job well done!
Also, a ‘Thank you’ to: Cecilia Millena who reviewed and revised the article by grouping the ideas and adding subtitles for better accuracy and reading.
And, to Joleen Reece who provided the scouting background information on Faith’s journey to Eagle.
Submitted by: Elaine Boyd, Seven Springs Historical Society and on behalf of the Seven Springs Museum at the Bodiford House. July 2025.
Photos:
– Faith at Museum holding her Eagle Certificate with Lowell Lovinggood, Elaine
and Joe Boyd
– Faith, her parents and Scout Leaders at Eagle Scout Presentation
– Faith by two of the restored pieces of equipment she did for her project
– Faith and friends working on project restoring equipment (3)
– Two of the pieces of equipment restored during the project
(before)
(after)