Fact: Out of every 100 Boy Scouts, two achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. The final and most difficult requirement of becoming an Eagle Scout is “The Eagle Project.” This requires the scout to design, seek approvals, price, purchase, schedule and manage a project that benefits the community at large and has longevity.
Projects that meet Boy Scouts of America (BSA) requirements are large scale, which are found in our communities. Until recently Manalapan was one municipality that our boys shied away from. Our township proved to be a logjam, full of red tape and needless bureaucracy.
In one case a Scout was put through 11 months of Township Committee meetings before he was given approval for his $12,000 improvement to the Manalapan Recreation Center. Many Scouts went to other towns or found projects that did not involve the governing body in Manalapan.
Approximately two years ago this problemwas discussed by the advancement counselors from a number of the BSA troops in Manalapan. We then presented our concerns to Mayor Michelle Roth, explaining to her the financial and community benefits that our township was missing out on.
In response to our concerns, Mayor Roth established a committee to oversee the Eagle project process; making the township an example to other communities of the benefits the scouting program is offering. Subsequently, the committee has expanded to include other representatives from programs such as the Girl Scouts, and other community groups. It has also become a resource for community service projects needed by our youth for their respective associations.
As a resident of Manalapan and a volunteer in the Boy Scouts, I salute Mayor Roth for her interest and actions on behalf of our youth and community.
Maurice Zagha
Advancement Committee Troop 180 –
Boy Scouts of America
Manalapan

