Earth Day Clean-Up Nets Green Rewards

Kathy Radish greeted visitors at Idle Isle Park with garbage bags, gloves and a smile on Thursday evening.  In minutes, a park-wide clean up was underway as boys from Scout Troop 599 and Associates from the Muskego Kohl’s Department Store joined in an event that will award $1,500 to the troop.

The clean-up was the third time the scouts have cleaned Idle Isle in the past two years, Radish said.  Her son Adam, 13, belongs to the troop and she is an employee at the Muskego Kohl’s.

Kohl’s National Go Green Event recognizes Earth Day and National Volunteer Week this April as employees volunteer to work with youth on green causes.  The $1,500 recognizes the scouts’ participation in ecological projects at a local level.

The scout troop will use the money to purchase a new trailer to haul gear on trips, according to Scoutmaster Dave Sheedy.  “Our scout trailer is old and leaking,” he said, estimating a new trailer will cost about $4,000. 

Troop 599 includes 52 boys from Muskego, Waukesha, Franklin, Milwaukee and Greenfield.  The troop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

When asked how he motivates 52 kids to get to work and clean up, Sheedy said he doesn’t have to worry about it.  “Boy scouts are boy-led, and they lead by example to promote servant leadership.”