Photo of Troop 205 Members Kyle Montagni, Christian Arroyo and Max Laible by Katheryn Laible
Katie’s own son, Max, is the Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 205 in Syosset. Above, you can see him with some fellow Scouts gathering food for those in need last summer.
Like many local groups, Scout Troops are finding it increasingly difficult to raise money to support their endeavors, even as they are continuing to go out of their way to serve our communities and develop into the responsible leaders of tomorrow. If you donate directly to a Troop, it stays with that Troop. Please consider doing so!!!
Below is a reflection from a fellow Scout, Matthew Gavieta who earned the rank of Eagle in 2018. We think he did a great job of capturing the Scout experience, and why we think these kids are such valuable assets to our communities:
I remember my first ever Boy Scout outing — I started off hiking in the middle of the pack. Like everyone else around me, I held very little responsibility, following the patrol leaders and slowly passing by checkpoints on the map. It was exhausting. In a tent I helped pitch, I woke up writhing in blisters the next day as I looked at my ill-fitting boots.
That was the end of the first journey, with many more to come. I brought better boots next time.
I ranked up and went on longer trips. I learned what to pack, and most importantly, what to leave behind. I sorted out which camping advice to remember and which habits to let go of. Time would pass, and I would volunteer at Eagle Scout projects: building flower beds, benches, signposts and renovating farms.
Eventually, I would become a Patrol Leader, directing younger scouts — learning trails, orienteering, taking inventory of equipment, and most importantly, becoming responsible.
The lessons learned from every trip have holistically changed the way I plan. In the forest, I always need to be prepared — I have to know which bridges to cross, which trails to skip, which obstacles might hinder our way.
Fast forward to June 2017 — my Eagle Scout project proposal was approved. This time, however, I found myself on an unfamiliar path. I was Project Manager, shouldering the weight of accountability. I decided to construct a greenhouse for the Cornell Cooperative Extension located in East Meadow, NY. aiming to assist local farmers and their endeavors for off-season planting. It turned out to be an expensive project with a wide scope.
Immediately, I was thrust into a world where being optimistic and hoping for the best is not enough. At times during this path, I felt lost, suddenly navigating without a map. A faulty instruction manual compromised the first workday. The parts I was requested to purchase did not match the online guide. I overcame this by writing my own instructions. I studied it for hours, putting parts together in my house to streamline workdays. Between organizing fundraisers and managing money to purchase all the miscellaneous materials, I was constantly coordinating dates with adults and volunteers. It took two hundred fifty hours to complete this project.
The challenges I encountered doing my Eagle Scout project taught me to collaborate, the value of teamwork based on the number of volunteers and Scout leaders who helped me, to be diligent, to organize with objectives and to Lead.
There are kids doing this all across Long Island, achieving by their 18th birthday things many never do in a lifetime. What are the Eagles-to-be and the troops they lead and educate doing in your backyard? Look around, and send them a donation if you will!!!
