Preschoolers attending Oakland Family Services’ Children’s Learning Center in Pontiac will be greeted with a new playhouse, table and benches when they begin school this week, thanks to volunteers from Eagle Scout Troop #1005.

Scout Nate Carlson planned and led the construction as his Eagle Scout Service Project, his last step toward earning Eagle Rank status. Nate is the son of J.D. Carlson, a member of Oakland Family Services’ Board of Directors. The Carlson family has been very involved with agency volunteer projects over the years.

“I’ve worked there before doing different projects, and I’ve taken a tour of the preschool, which is great,” said Nate, a junior in high school. “My family and I have done the Adopt a Family program around Christmastime for the past three or four years. We’ve already been pretty involved with the organization, and that’s how I knew it was a great place to work at.”

With the help of his Eagle adviser Jim Krueger and adult leader Marc LeDuc, Nate and his fellow scouts designed the one-of-a-kind playhouse from top to bottom, researching ideas online to come up with a design to build from scratch.

The playhouse is the newest addition to the Children’s Learning Center’s natural playground, which provides children space for unstructured outdoor playtime that encourages development of their imaginations, creativity and motor skills.

“We are so grateful to Nate for choosing to plan and build this playhouse, table and benches for our Children's Learning Center,” said Katie Henwood, Oakland Family Services’ engagement and special events coordinator. “Nate and his fellow scouts, under his leadership, worked so hard to build it all, and it turned out beautifully! We know the children are going to love it and have so much fun playing with it.”

The Pontiac Children’s Learning Center offers preschool and child care services for children age 1 to 5, as well as summer camp for school-aged children. The center’s offerings include 4-year-old preschool through the Great Start Readiness Program, a state-funded program that provides free preschool for qualifying children who are at risk of educational failure.

“Having a nonprofit organization that helps kids in need is really great,” said Nate, a junior in high school. “That’s one reason I was really drawn to [Oakland Family Services]. One of the things about these Eagle Projects is trying to make a lasting impact in your community, and I think that was a really awesome opportunity.”

Our Children’s Learning Centers still have preschool spots open for the 2021-22 school year! Click here to learn more.