By Margaret Mager, Bronxville Boy Scout Troop 5, Community Service Liaison

Nov. 8, 2017:  On Monday, October 23, Boy Scout Troop 5 held a Court of Honor ceremony. Fourteen Scouts advanced rank and 126 merit badges were awarded to 34 Scouts--a new record!

In Scouting, there are seven ranks and more than 135 merit badges a Scout can earn. In order to advance, all candidates must participate in a Scoutmaster Conference and pass a Board of Review.

Upon crossing over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, a boy must first earn the rank of Scout. After that, in order to reach the next rank, Tenderfoot, he must then learn basic knots, help on camping trips, and become proficient in other Scout skills. Quinn McCarthy advanced to Scout. New Tenderfoot Scouts are Toshi Odaira, Jeffrey Rohr, Luke Stinga, and Andreas Wimmersoff.

To earn Second Class, a Scout must learn how to use a map and compass; how, when, and where to build a campfire; and how to safely use pocketknives and wood tools. Second Class Scouts have proven their abilities in camping, first aid, swimming, and other Scout skills. Scouts who advanced to Second Class are John Rizzo and Albert Van Ness.

In order to achieve First Class, Scouts must learn how to use a compass and learn about nutrition and must have cooked for their patrol, spoken with civic leaders, learned lashings and how to tie a bowline, and passed the BSA swimmer test, and they must be prepared to administer all kinds of First Aid. Scouts who advanced to First Class are Willem Bender and Edward Phillips.

To earn the rank of Star, the focus shifts to developing leadership skills and earning four merit badges of the twelve required to make Eagle Scout. They must also complete hours of community service. Star Scouts are expected to provide leadership, guidance, and inspiration to younger Scouts. Marco La Vecchia, Mack Layton, Andrew Mager, and Tora Ozawa advanced to Star.

In order to become a Life Scout, a Scout must be active in his troop in one or more positions of responsibility for at least six months as a Star Scout. He must demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. He must earn five more merit badges (so that he will have 11 in all) and participate in six hours of service. At least three hours of this service must be conservation related. While a Star Scout, he must use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout (preferably younger) certain skills he will need as a Scout. Karsten Schnier advanced to Life

As demonstrated by the rank advancements and merit badges awarded, Troop 5 has been very active in 2017. But there is so much more going on in Troop 5.  

Seven Scouts from Bronxville Troop 5 attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree from July 19 to 28 at the 10,600-acre Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve in West Virginia. The Jamboree happens every four years and attracts some 45,000 Scouts, adult leaders, volunteers, and exhibitors. Many months of preparation are required to attend, including practice cooking, camping, and packing a special duffle, as each Scout is allowed only one bag and must cook his meals for ten days straight!

It is a tradition for the President of the United States to speak at the Boy Scout Jamboree. This time President Donald Trump spoke on July 24, creating some controversy with his remarks, leading to an apology by the BSA to angry parents. Troop 5 Scouts who attended Jambo were Giovanni LaVecchia, Eric Modesitt, Jeffrey Modesitt, Peter Vorbach, JP Denfeld, Andrew Mager, and James Rohr.  Adult leaders from Troop 5 were Assistant Scoutmasters Will Rabsey and Brian Modesitt and Scoutmaster Jon Denfeld.

Also in July of 2017, twenty-nine Troop 5 Scouts spent a week at Camp Read in the Adirondacks, where there were numerous opportunities to earn merit badges and complete requirements for rank advancement. Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Mager led the adventures at Camp Read this year.

There were also six Polar Bear awards, one Adirondack Challenge, ten Totin Chips, two Order of the Arrow ordeals, and two Camp Yawgood attendees, and one Scout completed Trail to Eagle. 

Troop 5 is a very active Troop, offering many opportunities for boys to learn valuable life skills while having tons of fun.

Pictured here (L to R):  Andrew Mager (Star), Quinn McCarthy (Scout), Marco La Vecchia (Star), Xavier Layton (Star), Edward Phillips (First Class).

Photo courtesy Margaret Mager, Bronxville Boy Scout Troop 5, Community Service Liaison