Six ‘Eagles' in Kittatinny's Class of 2007

Hampton - Only 5 percent of all Boy Scouts attain the highest rank n Eagle Scout. This year, however, six scouts in Kittatinny’s Class of 2007 have received their Eagle pin. Most Scouts are content to learn camping, cooking and other skills and to move up in rank until other interests take priority. Those who continue in scouting to the rank of Life Scout may choose a project and go for their Eagle. Famous among the nation’s Eagle Scouts are Bill Bradley, former United States Senator from New Jersey; William DeVries, M.D., Surgeon and educator who transplanted the first artificial heart; James Lovell, Jr., Apollo astronaut; and Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Eagle projects must be approved at the proposal stage, they reviewed after completion. They include 1,000 volunteer hours and leadership, meaning each project must include other scouts working under the guidance of the Eagle candicate. Andrew Bates (Fredon), a Boy Scout for 14 years, achieved “Eagle Scout” upon completion of 23 merit badges including a community project at Lodestar Park where he stained and water-sealed all wood fixtures at the park facilities. Scott Barretta (Hampton) earned his rank in Harrington Park, New Jersey before moving to Sussex County. His project was to design and construct a set of stairs to a cemetery entrance and with the assistance of the Historical Society, he also cleared and landscaped the cemetery. Nick Campbell (Hampton) achieved his rank upon completion of 23 merit badges, designing and building a flagpole platform at Balesville Congregational Church. He has been associated with the Boy Scouts for the past 14 years and he presently serves as an Assistant Troopmaster. Joe Carlson (Fredon) earned 24 merit badges. His project included designing and clearing a nature trail along with benches at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum in Wantage. He has been involved in scouting for 12 years. Chris Hendershot (Stillwater) has been involved with Scouts for 12 years and has earned 24 merit badges. He acquired all of the materials and built a fence at the entranceway to Swartswood State Park in Stillwater. Tom McLoughlin (Stillwater) has been a Boy Scout for 7 years and has installed sign kiosks at several different locations at Swartswood State Park. In order to qualify for Eagle Scout, 21 merit badges must be earned and 12 specific badges are required, including First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World, Communications, Environmental Science, Personal fitness, Personal Management, Camping, and Family Life. In addition, a Scout has a choice between Emergency Preparedness and Lifesaving, and a choice among Cycling, Hiking, and Swimming. Since the beginning of the century, “Eagles” have consistently distinguished themselves as future leaders and carry special significance, not only in Scouting, but also as they enter higher education, business or industry, and community service. Kittatinny’s six Eagle Scouts are currently planning to continue their education either at the college-level or the technical-school level. They all plan to stay involved with Boy Scouts and hope to encourage younger students to get involved.