On Sept. 14, TJ Harkins became Troop 1776’s 137th Eagle Scout and, at the age of 13, is the troop’s youngest Scout to earn this rank.
TJ’s Eagle Scout project entailed building a Gaga pit on the grounds of Hillsborough Elementary School near the playground. In addition, he built four benches around the pit for the lunch aides, teachers and students to sit on while watching the game.
TJ and his helpers worked on building and installing the pit and benches over several weekends in March. On April 14, he presented the pit and donated six Gaga balls to the Hillsborough Elementary School 4th grade class during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
TJ started playing Gaga at the Hillsborough YMCA when he was little and quickly fell in love with the fast game that is a variant of dodgeball played with one ball in an octagon pit. Players hit the ball at each other with their hands, and are eliminated if the ball strikes them on or below the knee.
Since he was in 3rd grade as a Cub Scout with Pack 89, he knew that building a pit for his grammar school was what he wanted to do for his Eagle Scout project, said his father, Tom.
“This encouraged him to work hard to achieve Life rank so that he could do the project before the school decided to build one themselves,” said Mr. Harkins.
As part of TJ’s Scouting career, he earned Cub Scouting’s highest rank of Arrow of Light with Pack 89. As a Boy Scout with Troop 1776, he has held numerous leadership positions, including den chief, first aid trainer, and assistant senior patrol leader of service. In these positions, he has led numerous trips, events and service projects.
In July, TJ was invited to attend National Youth Leadership Training, where he learned skills that he continues to use as a troop leader. Thus far, TJ has logged more than 90 trail miles and 200 community service hours.
On Sunday, Nov. 29, TJ was presented with his Eagle Scout Badge among friends, family, and fellow Scouts at a ceremony at the Neshanic Reformed Church. Also in attendance were Congressman Leonard Lance and John Shockley, president of the Hillsborough Rotary Club, who presented TJ with commendations.
Outside of Scouting, TJ is a member of the Hillsborough Middle School varsity cross country team. In addition, he is a member of the Somerset Valley YMCA’s swim team, having qualified for both the N.J. State Championships and Junior Olympics. Through his Scouting and sports, TJ has found another interest serving as a junior coach in both swimming and running.
Doing his “Duty to God,” he is an altar server with Mary Mother of God Roman Catholic Church. TJ also loves to travel and has visited 46 of the 50 United States.
