Daniel Rosen, senior at Lewis-Palmer High School, vividly recalls his time at Ray E. Kilmer Elementary School and his experience at the Pine Grove Schoolhouse. “I was in 4th grade when I got to Colorado. Kilmer Elementary had a day dedicated to visiting the Pine Grove Schoolhouse for the kids, so I remember getting to see it up close and personal.” Now, Daniel has found a way to give back to the school he has such fond memories of—helping restore the Pine Grove Schoolhouse as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Pine Grove Schoolhouse opened its doors in 1912. The school was in operation for 25 years before it was left to languish in the often harsh weather conditions. In 1998, then-principal of RKES, Ted Bauman, led efforts to relocate and restore the structure, ensuring its historical significance was preserved for future generations.
“A few months ago, I was thinking about and trying to find an Eagle Scout project to do. One of my parents mentioned a Facebook post talking about how some people at Kilmer were moving some benches and asking for donations for their Pioneer Day," said Daniel. After connecting with the restoration team, he quickly realized this was more than just a project—it was a chance to preserve a meaningful part of his childhood. “I appreciated the experience I had as an elementary student there, and I wanted to help preserve this fun and historical experience for future Kilmer students.”
This particular project has not been without its challenges. Scouts have until their 18th birthday to become an Eagle Scout, and Daniel’s happens to be in March 2025. “In a perfect world, I’d restore the schoolhouse in the summer, but we’re making it work,” he shares. Daniel’s primary task has been replacing the old, potentially toxic paint and applying a fresh coat. The support from the community has been instrumental in helping him complete this task. Multiple businesses have donated their time and resources to this project.
His Eagle project is not just about the work, but also about the lessons learned along the way. This project has taught Daniel a lot about leadership and how to lead a team well. “Many of the volunteers are younger Boy Scouts who are unfamiliar with equipment we use and aren’t too motivated. By making sure the scouts are doing jobs they enjoy, and making sure every individual has what they need, I can make a more coherent group.” He’s also learned just how important it is to be able to work with all sorts of people, especially the adults working on the project, who all bring their own unique knowledge and skills to the project.
The mission doesn’t stop after becoming an Eagle Scout. “I really appreciate the opportunity to support the school that used to support me. Even after the deadline for the Eagle project passes, I can continue to support the restoration project," said Daniel. For him, this isn’t just about earning a rank—it’s about preserving a piece of history for future generations to enjoy.
RKES will host a rededication ceremony in May for the schoolhouse. To keep up with the progress of the restoration, you can follow the Pine Grove School Facebook page.