
Boy Scout Troop 1 of Pelham recently wrapped up its scouting year, celebrating a busy time of achievement, learning, community engagement, and outdoor adventures. This successful conclusion to the scouting season included the awarding of numerous merit badges, recognition of advancements in rank, and the honoring of five scouts earning the coveted Eagle Scout rank, showcasing the ongoing dedication of its members.
The troop’s Court of Honor on June 12 served as the closing meeting, celebrating the scouts’ hard work, dedication, and achievements since the fall. During the ceremony, a remarkable 65 merit badges were awarded, reflecting a wide range of new skills and knowledge gained by the scouts. Additionally, Troop 1 scouts achieved 28 rank advancements, marking significant progress in their scouting journey and demonstrating sustained commitment to personal growth. The troop looks forward to its next Court of Honor in the fall, which will celebrate accomplishments earned over the summer.
The troop’s outdoor program culminated in its final camping trip of the scouting year on June 6 and 7th. A group of 29 scouts, ranging from 5th to 10th grade, and 11 adults—the biggest group at such a camping trip in years—set up their tents at Camp Bullowa. Despite soggy conditions at times, the scouts enjoyed fishing, outdoor skills development, and campfire chats. Each night saw them cooking hearty meals as patrols, fostering teamwork and self-reliance. Under the close supervision of trained instructors, the boys also had the opportunity to learn and practice important safety protocols during rifle and BB gun shooting activities.

Prior to the Court of Honor, Manor Auto generously hosted a dual merit badge session for Automobile Maintenance and Traffic Safety. These valuable sessions took place on June 9th and 10th, with Chris Ganpat personally teaching the scouts essential skills. Scouts gained invaluable experience for Automobile Maintenance, with hands-on activities like changing a car’s oil, checking tire pressure, and adding air, alongside learning principles of how engines work. For the Traffic Safety badge, they explored crucial topics such as the top ten mistakes new drivers frequently make, the profound dangers of distracted and impaired driving, and strategies for minimizing risks on the road, including important vehicle safety features. Additionally, for the Traffic Safety badge, Village of Pelham Police Officer Robert Dinapoli provided crucial insights, discussing local traffic safety concerns and sparking valuable discussions among the scouts. A total of 16 scouts participated in this unique opportunity, with another session for these badges being planned for the fall.
Additionally, Troop 1 proudly celebrated five new Eagle Scouts. Shared Eagle Courts of Honor were held at the Daronco Town House, with Greg McFarland and Paul McLaughlin recognized on Friday, June 13, and Julian Matteoni and Logan Constant on Saturday, June 14. These momentous ceremonies featured several distinguished dignitaries who spoke briefly to congratulate and present the newest Eagle Scouts with various proclamations. These included Bob Sweeney from American Legion Post 50, NY State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen, Westchester County Representative Terry Clements, Town Supervisor Dan McLaughlin, and Pelham Town Historian. Finbar Doyle also received his Eagle Rank at the conclusion of the troop’s Court of Honor. These young men have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and character throughout their scouting journey.
Troop 1 extends its profound congratulations to the Eagle Scouts of the graduating Class of 2025: Dennis Condon, Ashok Seecharran, Julian Kalehoff, Hew Johnson, Greg McFarland, and Paul McLaughlin. Troop 1 is definitely stronger for their participation, and the troop wishes them the very best in their future endeavors.


“I’m incredibly proud of our scouts’ achievements,” expressed Troop 1 Scoutmaster Ted Hopper. “I especially want to congratulate Finbar, Greg, Paul, Julian, and Logan for continuing Troop 1’s tradition of Eagle Scout excellence. Their hard work and perseverance truly embody the spirit of scouting. This spirit is continuously nurtured through the invaluable support we receive from the Village of Pelham and Village of Pelham Manor governments and communities. I’d like to especially thank Manor Auto for its continuous and generous support of Troop 1 throughout the year. I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Fr. Matthew Mead and Christ Church for their unwavering support as our charter organization and gracious host.”
About Pelham Troop 1:
Founded in 1916, Troop 1 is one of scouting’s oldest continually operating troops, serving the community for well over a century. It provides a robust Scouting program for boys and young men from 6th grade through high school, focused on character development, citizenship training, leadership development, and personal fitness. The troop has a proud tradition of guiding numerous Scouts to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting’s highest honor. Activities emphasize challenging outdoor adventures, including regular trips to BSA High Adventure bases like Philmont, Sea Base, and Northern Tier, alongside skill-building and community service. The troop is currently chartered by Christ Church Pelham. To learn more about Troop 1 Pelham’s year-round activities and opportunities to join, visit our Facebook page (https://facebook.com/Troop1Pelham).
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.