Jeffers Brothers Honored At Joint Eagle Scout Ceremony

DATELINE – May 6, 2017 – Chester Troop 139 and Troop 9 hosted a joint Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony to honor Brian Jeffers of Troop 139 and Matthew Jeffers of Troop 9, sons of Tim and Annette Jeffers of Chester. Both Scouts were presented with Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award. To earn the award, a Scout must be active with a troop, earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, assume a position of leadership in a troop and complete a service project that benefits the community. The ceremony was attended by Chester Township Mayor Marcia Asdal, Chester Borough Mayor Janet Hoven and NJ Assemblyman Bucco.

Brian and Matthew began their scouting career with Chester Pack 139 and continued through Cub Scouting to achieve its highest award, the Arrow of Light.

As a member of Troop 139, Brian held leadership positions including Troop Scribe, Troop Guide and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He was inducted into the Woapalanne Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. He participated in National Youth Leadership Training, received the Messenger of Peace award for volunteer work at the 2013 National Jamboree, and earned the Gold SERV Award.

Brian attended camp outings with Troop 139 at Winnebago Scout Reservation and worked as a camp counselor in the Dan Beard program teaching younger scouts the basics of scouting. He played “Opening Call” and “Taps” on his bugle for the camp.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Brian coordinated the construction of a large chicken coop for the Grow It Green Morristown Urban Farm. The coop allows the farm to provide more eggs to local food pantries. Under Brian’s direction, scouts and adults completed the project that took more than 200 volunteer hours.

Brian is a senior at West Morris Mendham High School and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He plays trumpet in the jazz, wind, and brass ensembles and led the high school marching band as a Drum Major. Brian is a member of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Chester and will be attending Purdue University, College of Engineering this fall.

As a member of Troop 9, Matthew held the Senior Patrol Leader position. Matthew also participated in National Youth Leadership Training, received the Messenger of Peace award for volunteer work at the 2013 National Jamboree, and earned the Silver SERV Award.

Matthew attended camp outings with Troop 9 at Mt Allamuchy Scout Reservation’s Camp Somers and worked as a camp counselor in the aquatics program where he earned his BSA Life Guard certification. As a merit badge counselor, Matthew helped Scouts earn their Canoeing, Kayaking, Small Boat Sailing, Lifesaving and Swimming merit badges.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Matthew led a construction project of two foot bridges that are part of three recognized trails which include the Patriots’ Path County Trail, the Liberty Water Gap State Trail and the National 911 Memorial Trail. Under Matthew’s direction, scouts and adults completed the project that took more than 130 volunteer hours.

Matthew graduated from West Morris Mendham High School, is currently attending County College of Morris and is a member of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Chester.

About the Troops

Troop 139 meets every Monday at 7:30 pm at the Community Presbyterian Church in Chester. Troop 9 meets every Monday at 8:00 pm at the cabin on Collis Lane in Chester. New members are welcome.

Photo Caption:

NJ Assemblyman Bucco (center) presents a resolution congratulating Matthew Jeffers (left) and Brian Jeffers (right) for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.