Cayo Dominguez-Heithoff began his scouting journey as a Tiger Scout when he was in kindergarten in Troop 333 at Parkville Presbyterian Church. Now, Cayo has made his family and fellow Scouts proud by building a kiosk at a new park in Platte County called Charlotte Sawyers Nature Area for his Eagle Scout project.
He progressed from Tiger Scout to a new troop, when his family began attending church at St. Therese where he became a member of Troop 261. After starting high school he moved to Troop 314 since many of his classmates at Park Hill South were at Platte Woods Methodist Church.
As is required for Eagle Scout Projects, Cayo worked with the Platte Land Trust President, Carla Dods, and asked her what projects she needed completed.
“I wanted to build something that would be around for years, that many people would benefit from,” Cayo said. “Mrs. Dods and her Board shared their design requests with me. I made modifications to the kiosk design to make it attractive, sturdy and affordable. I consulted with many experts like my neighbors, Kerry Shy and Andrew Homoly, my uncle, Luis Dominguez and my dad, Andres Dominguez. They all made great suggestions as I submitted the design workbook and process outline to my Eagle Scout advisors. I used many construction skills that I learned from a class I took at Park High School, Home Maintenance. It was a great feeling to have done it all from start to finish and have it look so good today. I look forward to visiting the park in the years to come and check on the kiosk. It will hold safety information about the park, the flora and fauna it hosts and events that are planned for the park.”
Charlotte Sawyers donated the farm that she and her late husband Alvin had loved to the Platte County Land Trust in 1998. This 20 acres of forest and pasture in southern Platte County near the Missouri River flyway provides habitat for wildlife, including migratory songbirds and monarch butterflies. Platte Land Trust is implementing a land management plan to restore the grasslands and protect the woods. Trails are being built for hiking and outdoor education.
Cayo, like many Scouts before him, received lots of help and guidance from his Scout leaders. Over the years Cayo has also assisted many fellow Scouts with their Eagle Scout Projects and he believes that taking an active role in assisting with these many projects has allowed him to learn many things that will help him in his life.
While the last few years of the COVID-19 pandemic slowed his project down, he began it pre-pandemic in fall 2019, and managed to finish it, as required, before his 18th birthday at the end of October, 2021. The project took 395 hours to complete.
The roof design on the kiosk proved to be a complex undertaking, so Cayo had a member of the Board of Directors, Bill Beyer, who is a bridge engineer, onsite for the whole project. Cayo said he was very helpful with the construction plans.
Cayo believes it’s very important for people to get outside and enjoy nature and one of the most rewarding parts of building the kiosk for him, is knowing it will be enjoyed by many people for many years to come.
“Nature is fascinating, inspiring and relaxing at the same time,” Cayo said. “Building something that will be standing for decades is very rewarding. Doing this project with my Scout friends, family friends and school friends was the frosting on the cake. I couldn’t have done it without my Mom and Dad’s assistance and encouragement.”
For his recent birthday, his parents organized an 18th birthday surprise party at Charlotte Sawyers Nature Area, with all his friends and family so they could see the kiosk.
“My parents surprised me for sure,” Cayo said. “Most of my friends had never heard of, or been to the CSNA. My parents brought all the food and drinks and we had a great time playing football, walking the trails, building a fire in the fire pit. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.”
His favorite Scout badges he has earned include: cooking, hiking forestry, kayaking, and public health.
Since his parents and friends consider him to be one of the most cautious people they know, Cayo said scouting has definitely taught him to be prepared.
“Yes, it did! Always anticipating what’s next, how to maximize your goals and learning as much as you can about subjects that hold your interest will serve me well in life,” Cayo said. “Scouting has exposed me to many different areas that I may not have had an opportunity to explore. I’ve been able to work with many diverse teams of Scouts and leaders and understand how to accomplish goals.”
“Andres and I have loved the scouting years as it always gave us so many fun, educational options for things to do with our kids,” Cayo’s mom, Amy said. “Both our daughter and our son, reached the highest levels in scouting with Sophia receiving her Gold Award and now Cayo, his Eagle Scout Award. We are very proud of all the work, planning, redoing, rechecking, researching and constructing the projects. It gives young people the opportunity to give back to their communities.”
Cayo has been planning ahead on life after high school also.
“I did the Common App and applied to about 10 universities,” Cayo said. “I will find out where I’m accepted and what the financial packages will be in January. I will make a decision then. I plan on majoring in business.”
One of his favorite memories of his years in scouting is racing cars in the Pinewood Derby.
“I’ve still got all my car creations,” Cayo said. “I’ve had so many fun camping experiences, including waking up to having a raccoon in my tent, great fishing and water sport successes, and many outdoor cooking favorites. I’ve met a lot of friends along the way and I’ve learned so much about teamwork and goal setting.”
Cayo believes scouting can help young people in many ways throughout their lives.
“I would highly recommend scouting as it’s fun and exciting with each experience that comes your way,” Cayo said. “It offers a lot of learning experiences for yourself and your family.”