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

Feb. 14, 2018: “Our Scouts have worked very hard since our last Court of Honor, and tonight we will recognize their achievements,” said Marco LaVecchia, senior patrol leader. “These Scouts completed their requirements and earned these awards without the benefit of summer camp and while meeting their obligations in school, athletics, and other extracurricular activities.”

On Monday, February 5, 2018, Boy Scout Troop 5 held a Court of Honor. Eight Scouts advanced rank, and 16 merit badges were awarded to 13 Scouts. 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. 

Tenderfoot Scouts:  Upon crossing over from Cub Scouts into 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. Charlie Donohue advanced to Scout. New Tenderfoot Scouts are Na’Im Ferrance, Hunter Denfeld, and Dev Tarwala.

Second Class Scouts:  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. Na’Im Ferrance advanced to Second Class. 

Star Scouts:  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. Willem Bender, Billy Rizzo, and Peter Vorbach advanced to Star.

Life Scout:  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 eleven 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. Xavier Layton advanced to Life Scout.

Active in Community Service

Troop 5 is a very active troop, offering many opportunities for boys to learn valuable life skills while having tons of fun. One of the key values of Scouting is serving the community. This fall, Troop 5 helped the Bronx River Conservancy by working with the Vinecutters of Westchester County to eradicate invasive plant species along the river in order to sustain the indigenous ecosystem. 

The troop also helped The Reformed Church of Bronxville, our chartering organization, with its fall clothing sale and helped cook and serve a meal for the Coming Home program, which works with former inmates in New York prisons as they return to their communities.

Pictured here (L to R):  Billy Rizzo (Star), Peter Vorbach (Star), Willem Bender (Star), Na’Im Ferrance (Second Class), Hunter Denfeld (Tenderfoot), Dev Tarwala (Tenderfoot), Charlie Donohue (Scout). In background: Ben Mehler, master of ceremonies.

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