CALDWELL, NJ — Three Troop 9 Scouts were joined by family, friends, fellow troop members and members of the community on Sunday January 14th at Saint Aloysius Church in Caldwell as they were recognized for achieving the highest and most coveted rank in scouting: the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout recipients celebrated were Robert Bajkowski, James Greig, and Cristian Navas.
The ceremony recognized the three young men’s accomplishments over the past seven years. Troop leaders highlighted their Trail to Eagle, leadership positions, camping highlights, high adventure trips, awards, merit badges earned and their Eagle Scout project.
Eagle Scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges, hold a leadership position within the Troop, participate in numerous community service projects and organize and lead an individual Eagle Scout project. Less than 5 percent of all Scouts earn this prestigious honor.
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Robert has earned 25 merit badges and has earned the Catholic Religious Medal Ad Altare Dei.
Bobby completed his Eagle Project in March 2023. The Montclair Community Farms received two new structures. The first is a 3’x5’ prefabricated shed assembled on site for storing tools and educational materials for youth camps and programs. A second build, a 5’x5’ protection lean-to, was constructed from raw materials and shelters large gardening tools used by the farm. Eighteen people assisted with the project, for a combined total of sixty-eight hours of service.
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James has earned 26 merit badges and has earned the Bronze Palm for earning 5 more merit badges than the required 21.
James completed his Eagle Project in March 2023. The project consisted of painting two locker rooms for the Taymblyn Field Municipal Building located in Rutherford. The rooms, cluttered with athletic equipment, were in poor cosmetic condition. Since completion, the locker rooms are vastly improved and more functional. Thirteen people assisted with the project, for a combined total of fifty-three hours of service.
Cristian has earned 21 merit badges.
Cristian completed his Eagle Project in May 2023. The project consisted of refurbishing a large shed located in Saint Vincent Cemetery, Nutley. Activities included a major clean up, shed door removal and replacement, constructing a new ramp, and painting the exterior of the shed. Fifteen people assisted with the project, for a combined total of ninety-three hours of service.
Former Scoutmaster Robert Bajkowski said, “ All three Scouts have accomplished the highest rank of Eagle Scout. This Journey took a high level of dedication, hard work and a spirit of adventure that not everyone has. I see great things from them in the future.”
Current Scoutmaster Luis DaCosta, concurred saying, “Their leadership has helped establish a path for our younger Scouts to follow. We wish them all the success in the world in their next stage of life.
