Four Eagle Scouts for Carmel Troop 1

From Carmel Boy Scouts Troop 1:

Glen Gernert, Patrick LaFontaine, Arturo Torres, and Dominic Triano from Carmel Troop 1 have all attained Eagle Scout rank.

Boy Scouts, family, friends and local dignitaries gathered at Drew United Methodist Church for the Eagle Court of Honor June 25.

Glen, Arturo, and Dominic have been part of Scouting since joining Cub Scouts in first grade as Tiger Cubs. Patrick became a Boy Scout when he joined Carmel Troop 1 in seventh grade. The four Scouts have been part of the same patrol for the past six years, sharing many campouts and hikes. Their patrol earned the National Honor Patrol Award three consecutive years by completing service projects, showing enthusiasm, teamwork, camaraderie, and patrol spirit.

Eagle Scout Glen Gernert earned 45 merit badges, the World Conservation Award, is part of the Order of the Arrow achieving Brotherhood, and was the troop librarian.

For his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Glen worked on landscaping the grounds around the Veterans’ Memorial in Lake Carmel. With a group of volunteers and after more than 200 hours, Glen installed a new railroad tie border, and planted shrubs and other plants. He fixed the existing benches and added another so there would be more seating available.

Eagle Scout Patrick LaFontaine earned 35 merit badges and is the troop’s current Senior Patrol Leader. Patrick has been an Instructor, Patrol Leader, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, and an Order of the Arrow Elangomat. He has earned the World Conservation Award, the BSA Lifeguard Award, and the 50 Miler Award. Patrick was part of a Carmel Troop 1 crew that traveled to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for ten days of backpacking almost 100 miles.

For his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Patrick renovated the trail in the Hawk Rock/Mead Farm area. He constructed and installed an informational kiosk in the Wantagh Road parking area, marked the trails with specially designed markers and blazes, created a brochure that included a trail map, and removed the invasive Japanese Barberry from archeological sites. The project was possible due to a combined total of more than 300 volunteer hours by adults, Scouts, and other youth.

Eagle Scout Arturo Torres earned 83 merit badges, is a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, was the troop’s Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Instructor, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Den Chief, Bugler, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, Order of the Arrow Elangomat, and part of the Order of the Arrow Ceremonial Team. He has earned the World Conservation Award, 50 Miler Award, and Paul Bunyan Award. Arturo also traveled to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico where he was the Crew Leader in charge of five scouts and two adults. Arturo had the opportunity to travel to the 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree where he was the troop Quartermaster.

For his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Arturo renovated the Lake Carmel Veterans’ Memorial. The work included the removal of existing gravel and railroad ties and the installation of a 475 sq. ft. paver plaza using reclaimed pavers. The bronze plaque was restored, and special tiles engraved with the logo of the military branches. To fund the project he ran a paver inscription program where donors could memorialize a veteran.

After 418 hours of work by 24 adults, Scouts and other youths the memorial was inaugurated during the Memorial Day Ceremony of 2014.

Eagle Scout Dominic Triano earned 42 merit badges, was Lead Instructor, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Den Chief and Order of the Arrow Brotherhood. He earned the Den Chief Award, and Paul Bunyan Award. Dominic was part of a crew along with Patrick and Arturo that went on a high adventure trip to Puerto Rico. There they stayed in the Boy Scout reservation, visited historic sites, hiked tropical and dry forests, rode the longest zip line in the world, tasted the local cuisine and spent the day on an old pirate island.

For his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Dominic demolished and reconstructed the rear porch of the parsonage at Drew United Methodist Church, which is Troop 1’s sponsoring organization. The porch was in serious disrepair making it a hazard. With 260 volunteer hours of hard work a new porch, from footings to roof, will be enjoyed for many years to come.

The Eagle Scouts would like to thank all Carmel Troop 1 adult volunteers who have given so much of their time to guide them in their Scouting career and to the community for supporting each of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Projects.