Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Boy Scout Troop 1 of Pelham. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

PELHAM MANOR, NY  – The past month and a half has been a period of significant achievement and community involvement for Boy Scout Troop 1 of Pelham. The troop proudly celebrated the accomplishment of the Eagle Scout rank, scouting’s highest honor, for two dedicated members, while also actively participating in local and environmental initiatives, welcoming new scout leaders, and introducing future troop members to the program.

The journey to Eagle Scout represents years of commitment, leadership development, skill-building, and dedicated service to the community. Troop 1 Pelham was honored to hold a special Eagle Court of Honor ceremony on Saturday, April 5th, at the Daronco Town House, recognizing Julian Kalehoff and Hew Johnson for reaching this pinnacle of scouting. Their significant service projects and unwavering dedication were celebrated by family, friends, and fellow scouts. Further highlighting the troop’s commitment to developing future leaders, four other dedicated scouts successfully completed their Eagle Board of Review in April, marking their final step towards earning the Eagle Scout rank.

Living by the Scout Oath, which calls upon members to help other people at all times, the Scout Law, which emphasizes being helpful and clean, and the principles of the Outdoor Code, which promote being conservation-minded, Troop 1 Pelham actively served their community and the environment throughout April. This commitment was evident in their participation in multiple yard cleanups for Pelham residents in need and their collaboration with the Pelham Vine Squad on April 14th for an invasive plant eradication day, directly contributing to the preservation of local natural spaces.

Embracing the spirit of outdoor adventure and hiking, several members of Troop 1 Pelham participated in the prestigious 61st West Point Camporee in April. This renowned event challenges scouts with a variety of outdoor skills competitions, fostering teamwork and resilience. Despite facing unseasonably cold and snowy conditions, as highlighted by the Pelham Examiner, the Pelham scouts demonstrated their adaptability and enthusiasm throughout the weekend.

Weekly meetings at Christ Church are vital for Troop 1 Pelham’s skill development and advancement program, offering dynamic learning and friendly competition. Over the past month and a half, patrols have engaged in a variety of activities to build essential scouting skills, including a hands-on Camping Relay where they practiced tent building, tripod construction, and stretcher creation. They also participated in First Aid instruction through an engaging baseball-themed game and put their culinary skills to the test in a Cooking Challenge focused on preparing backpacking-friendly, healthy, and well-rounded meals on a budget. Throughout these meetings, older and more experienced scouts actively mentored younger members, guiding them through the requirements necessary for rank advancement.

Demonstrating their connection to the broader Pelham community, Troop 1 Pelham engaged with both its youngest future members and local heroes. On May 1st, the troop warmly welcomed the graduating 5th graders from Pack 1 (Colonial & Prospect Hill) during their crossover ceremony, fostering excitement for their transition to Boy Scouts. Showing their appreciation for those who serve the community, members of Troop 1 Pelham also supported the Pelham Manor Fire Department at their annual Flapjacks at the Firehouse event on April 27th.

May 8th marked a transition in Troop 1 Pelham’s leadership. Outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Syrus Preftakes moved into the role of Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, where he will continue to support the troop’s growth and mentor younger scouts. The symbolic “BOSS stick” was then passed to the newly elected Conor Waters, who will lead the troop as Senior Patrol Leader for the upcoming year. Additionally, new Patrol Leaders were elected, taking on the responsibility of guiding their individual patrols in the adventures and activities ahead.

Furthermore, Troop 1 Pelham actively supported the ongoing Eagle Project of fellow scout Ryan Feldman, assisting in painting important messages around catch basins along Highbrook Avenue throughout April and May. These reminders aim to prevent litter and waste from entering the storm drains, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.