Eagle Scout Project: Building a Stronger Future for Colorado Dragon Boat
by Jensen Tsao
About the Project
Colorado Dragon Boat is proud to partner with Eagle Scout candidate Jensen Tsao on a meaningful community service project that will directly support the long-term sustainability of dragon boating in Colorado.
As both a dedicated Scout and competitive dragon boat athlete, Jensen has chosen to focus his Eagle Scout Project on solving one of the organization’s biggest operational challenges: protecting and preserving vital equipment used by hundreds of community members each year.
About Jensen
Jensen Tsao is a sophomore at George Washington High School and an active member of both the dragon boat and Scouting communities. In addition to being a competitive dragon boat paddler, Jensen is also an avid debater, diver, and Scout.
For his Eagle Scout Project, the highest achievement in Scouting, Jensen is leading an initiative designed to create a lasting impact for Colorado Dragon Boat and the broader paddling community.
T H E P R O B L E M
The organization and community face a significant challenge due to the lack of adequate equipment storage. Currently, boats are stored at the Adams County fairgrounds during the winter without access to a permanent structure. As a result, they are protected only by plastic wrapping or tarps. While these methods offer minimal protection, the boats remain exposed to harsh weather conditions and have already begun to deteriorate. In addition to boats, the organization must also store essential equipment such as paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs). Due to the absence of proper storage, much of this equipment has been damaged or destroyed over time. This ongoing issue not only increases replacement costs but also limits the organization’s ability to serve the community effectively.
T H E I M P A C T
Due to the current storage conditions, many of CDBF’s boats. despite being purchased only five years ago, are already showing significant signs of wear. Continued exposure to the will lead to costly repairs and reduce the funds available for supporting paddlers and other organizational initiatives. It also places an added burden on community members, who must spend additional time on maintenance and upkeep.
In addition to boats, CDBF must store essential equipment such as paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs). However, the lack of proper storage has resulted in a large portion of this equipment being damaged beyond repair, further straining the organization’s resources.
T H E S O L U T I O N
Jensen’s Eagle Scout Service Project will involve the purchase and outfitting of two 45-foot shipping containers to provide secure and long-term storage for boats and other essential equipment. A proper foundation will be constructed at Adams County to ensure a stable and durable base for the containers.
The first container will be modified to safely store up to six boats, protecting them from environmental damage and extending their lifespan. The second container will be outfitted with large metal storage racks or crates, allowing equipment such as paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs) to be efficiently organized and easily accessible.
JENSEN’S GOAL
There are three major goals Jensen’s would like his project to achive.
He’d like to alivate some of the problems suffered by CDBF and the Colorado dragon boat community by extension. His project would help insure less of our equipment is damaged meaning many of our equipment related problems are eliminated.
He would also like to create oppertunity for the organization and community. By eliminating equipment related issues, his Eagle Scout service project would benefit the more than 800 hundred paddles who regularly use the boats as well as the nearly 25,000 people who attend the festival. Additionally the project would also free up valuable resources and time that the organization and community could invest in other projects or initiatives.
Finally, he would like his project to be an opportunity to create future leaders.Throughout his time in Scouting America and Dragon Boat, he has had the privilege of seeing many experienced leaders, many of which completed projects similar to his. He modeled his own drive and success to these organizations and individuals. He believes that they have fundamentally shaped who he is as a person. He would like his project to have the same impact on others and help create the next generation of leaders.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The total project cost is approximately $15,000, covering:
Shipping containers
Storage systems and racks
Boat dollies and transport equipment
Foundation and site preparation materials
Community support will play a vital role in bringing this project to life.
HELP JENSEN REACH HIS GOAL
We are incredibly grateful to Jensen Tsao for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to supporting the Colorado Dragon Boat community.
Donate Today through our Colorado Gives Platform, and select “EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT” under the designation field.
Together, we can help preserve the future of dragon boating in Colorado.