The benches are both Harbrige’s Eagle Scout project and a part of a larger effort to encourage contemplation and connection in travel. The Transformational Travel Council partners with tourism providers to design more meaningful travel experiences.

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“It is a bench and a place to dream and to reflect and to wonder,” said Transformational Travel Council CEO Jake Haupert.

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Harbrige has been involved in scouting since first grade.

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When it came time to complete his Eagle Scout project — a community service project required to earn the rank of Eagle Scout — he approached Arrowhead Ranch owners Marla and Randy Heagle to see if they had a suitable project.

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The ranch had already been planning the Arrowhead Journey in collaboration with the Transformational Travel Council, and offered Harbrige the opportunity to build the benches.

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Harbrige has worked on multiple projects at Arrowhead Ranch through scouting and Future Farmers of America, including helping establish the ranch’s flower farm, which is included as a stop on the Arrowhead Journey.

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“They are amazing people to work with and to know,” Harbrige said of the Heagles.

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Sourcing, building and installing the benches took roughly 15 months from planning to completion. The project required locating custom-milled wood, managing volunteers, coordinating donations and organizing workdays.

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Harbrige said one of the biggest challenges was finding the wood. He spent eight months contacting more than 20 mills in search of someone willing to cut the custom pieces he needed.

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Camano Island resident Norm Emberly donated and milled the cedar for the benches.

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“Norm was the saving grace of the project,” said Harbrige.

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WinterSky Inc. donated the custom metalwork for the armrests, and Stanwood Redi-Mix donated the concrete for the base.

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The benches overlook the soap box derby track, a children’s area, the cow pasture, the peacock aviary and the flower farm.

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Each stop includes a sign with a theme and reflective prompts related to that part of the ranch. The goal is to encourage visitors to slow down, appreciate the landscape and reflect.

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“There is an epidemic of loneliness, disorientation and disconnection from nature,” Haupert said. “We like to focus on creating experiences that slow people down.”
The Transformational Travel Council worked with Whidbey and Camano islands in an 18-month consulting project, conducting workshops with local businesses, including Arrowhead Ranch.

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“Griffin’s contribution is going to live on for decades to come,” Haupert said.

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In January 2027, researchers, tour operators and journalists attending the Transformative Experiences Symposium in Seattle will visit Camano Island and experience projects such as the Arrowhead Journey firsthand.

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As Harbrige prepares to leave for the University of Washington to study marine biology, the benches he built will remain at Arrowhead Ranch, inviting visitors from Camano Island and beyond to sit and wonder.