News
Jonathan Scalia becomes 153rd Troop 73 Eagle Scout
Jonathan Scalia, of Westfield, joined his two brothers who came before him as the family’s third Eagle Scout. In addition to completing over 22 merit badges, he was a Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, a consistent top seller for the Christmas plant fundraiser, and a Scholar Athlete Scout recipient. He attended the American Legion’s Jersey Boy State in 2022 as an appointed Municipal Attorney and elected Federalist Councilman participating in a mock state government.
With the help of his Troop 73, fellow St. Helen’s youth members, friends, and family, Jonathan cleared the brush and overgrown fauna, packed the ground with gravel, and constructed and installed a crossover bridge. With a minimalist approach, he wanted a natural and uncluttered space. Upon entry, you can choose to follow the stone-laden spiral path (his interpretation of a labyrinth) and finish facing out on an unearthed rock or sit and be reflective on the simple wooden bench.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank that can be earned in scouting.
In the decade from 2010 to 2019, a remarkable 45 Scouts from Troop 73 reached the rank of Eagle. Ten more have done so thus far in the 2020s.
The troop’s first Eagle Scout was James Harrington in 1948, followed by Peter Scheuermann in 1950.
Only 2-4% of all scouts complete the trail to Eagle, which demonstrates a several year commitment to leadership, service, and outdoor activities.
The final step to attain the Eagle Scout rank is to prepare and complete a special service project for the local community, church or school. This well known aspect as been in place nationally since October 1965.
One highlight happened for Troop 73 in 1996 when the troop graduated a remarkable eight Eagle scouts at a “Flock of Eagles” ceremony. This represented a group of boys who joined Cub Scouts as young friends and stayed together through the entire Boy Scout experience to earn the Eagle Scout rank.
Tim Avis to be Inducted into Council’s Eagle Scout Hall of Fame
Congratulations to longtime Troop 73 Scouter and volunteer Tim Avis, who will be inducted into Patriots’ Path Council’s Eagle Scout Hall of Fame at the Eagle Scout Recognition & Reunion Dinner at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge on May 18, 2023. The Eagle Scout Hall of Fame was established to recognize Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years or longer of having received the Eagle Scout Award, have reached a high level of success in their chosen field and have demonstrated a strong record of volunteer leadership service to the council and their community.
Troop 73 at Forestburg Summer Camp, August 2022
Twenty scouts and seven adults spent a week at Forestburg Summer Camp in Port Jervis, NY, during the first week of August, 2022.
Troop 73’s Philmont Crew Heads West on Trip of a Lifetime
Troop 73 sent a crew to Philmont Scout Reservation in Northeastern New Mexico for a 10-day, 80+mile trek in July 2022. The eight Scouts and 4 adult Scouters accompanying them prepared for the trip of a lifetime for about 18 months. The scouts learned about the outdoor conditions they would face, acquiring the needed gear and participated in training hikes in the New York / New Jersey area.
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s premier High Adventure™ base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Troop 73 typically sends a crew about every three years to Philmont. The crew was well-prepared for the journey because they participated in the Patriots’ Path Council Watchu Experience. Watchu is an 18-month-long program unique to this council. Patriots’ Path sends more than 20 crews of 12 each to Philmont each summer.
Harriman State Park Backpacking, April 2022
