Community service is one of the highest tenets of scouting, and Boy Scout Troop 21 has embodied that spirit in its recent volunteer efforts for Pamlico Rose Institute for Sustainable Communities.

Over the weekend, the scout troop, in an effort led by scout Jake Woolard, raised $357 for the community nonprofit, which supports veterans in their efforts to reintegrate into civilian life. Setting up shop at Walmart in Washington, the troop sold Bill’s hotdogs as a fundraiser for Pamlico Rose on Saturday.

“My uncle’s a veteran, so I know that they need helps sometimes,” said Woolard. “In order to become an Eagle Scout, you need a certain amount of service hours. It’s part of the scout motto, which is ‘do a good turn daily.’”

In addition to Woolard, other scouts helping out with the fundraiser included Joseph Laborde, Eddie King, Matthew Bishop and Matthew Taylor. Pamlico Rose CEO Rob Sands shared his appreciation for the group’s efforts Monday.

“We’re thrilled that the scout troop and any scouting organization is willing to help out our efforts,” Sands said. “I think it’s a testament to the troop and the parents, as well as the scouts themselves, for recognizing there are underserved populations in the community and that giving back is one way to help that community.”

This weekend wasn’t the first time the scouts of Troop 21 have helped out Pamlico Rose, however. Earlier this year, Eagle Scout candidate Lucas Wood built six raised gardening beds in the Betty Sands Memorial Healing & Artful Gardens at Rose Haven, Pamlico Rose’s inaugural project. Along with seven other Troop 21 scouts, including Woolard, Wood built the beds to help make gardening accessible to those with disabilities.

“From what his mother says, Jake was motivated and excited to come up with something that could also help our project,” Sands said. “Jake has taken that first step that kids his age take in realizing that there’s a life outside of their own.”

The goal of Pamlico Rose is to provide a healing environment for veterans dealing with trauma, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder to help them reintegrate into civilian life. Thus far, the nonprofit has created a healing garden space at 219 E. Third St. in Washington, and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing at a historic home on the property. Eventually, Rose Haven will serve as a home for female veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Pamlico Rose will host its inaugural female veterans retreat. With eight veterans visiting from across eastern North Carolina, the event will focus on healing and reintegration.

“The population that we’re dealing with, what Jake raised money for, is female veterans at risk with potential PTSD from any number of things,” Sands said. “(The scouts) may not fully comprehend what that means, but they certainly stepped up to do something about it. That was pretty special.”

For more information, visit www.PamlicoRose.org or contact Pamlico Rose CEO, Dr. Robert Greene Sands,robert@pamlicorose.org.