“I got to thinking, is there really a single flyer or information source out there that takes all the information about meth and puts it in one spot for people to see?” Riley said. “I decided to come up with a flyer that shows the materials that go into making meth, characteristics of someone using the drug – all the things that people can be observant for.”
The first part of the project was getting all that information in one spot. Once that was done, the project really started coming together.
“First, I had to get all the materials together and read through it,” said Riley. “I typed it all up and got it into Publisher (a computer progam) and now all I have to do is have the flyers printed up and distributed.”
Organizational skills —  along with community service — are the backbones of the Eagle project for a Scout.  Riley also had to develop his own idea and have it approved before he could begin work. The project also helps the Scout learn to supervise others.
The meth problem is something that is hardly new to Riley. Father Mark was a member of the Indiana State Police task force on meth before becoming mayor of Plymouth, and one of his campaign planks was an increase in the commitment to battle the drug.
“He’s been very supportive and helpful through the project and his experience helped a lot,” said Riley. “I don’t really know anybody who has taken the drug before. I did have a friend in grade school who’s parents were arrested for it.”
Riley plans to have his project completed by the end of April.
“It’s a really terrible drug — the way it affects you physically, mentally and socially,” said Riley. “I just want to be helpful and help out any way I can.”