[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4650]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BOY SCOUT TROOP 8

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2016

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 
Centennial Anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 8, located in Chatham, Morris 
County, New Jersey.
  Troop 8 is one of the earliest chartered troops of the Boy Scouts of 
America in the eastern United States, founded in 1916. For one hundred 
years, Troop 8 has held an integral part in the Chatham community, 
fostering civic values, compassion, and a sense of moral aptitude in 
the young men who have filed through its ranks.
  Troop 8 is sponsored by Ogden Memorial Church, located within Chatham 
Borough. The troop currently possesses an enrollment of one hundred 
young men of various ages. Throughout the year, the group partakes in a 
variety of community service events, aimed at improving the overall 
standard of living within Chatham and the surrounding area. The troop 
also organizes outings for members, such as camping trips and group 
hikes. Both these outings and trips strengthen the bonds of fellow 
scouts and build individual character.
  Examples of past community service events are numerous and deeply 
impactful on the community. Scouts have cleaned up various Chatham 
parks, created campsites, and traveled as far as New Mexico in the name 
of community service.
  Troop 8 is home to over 150 Eagle Award recipients. This award, one 
of the highest honors bestowed on a scout, requires active involvement 
in the troop, a minimum of 21 merit badges, a clear leadership role in 
the troop, and an original service project that benefits the community 
in some way. Past projects have included improvements to local 
churches, creating an outdoor reading center at the Chatham Library, 
and discovering and implementing a way to prevent flooding from Milton 
Pond. The completed projects, as well as the high volume of Eagle Award 
recipients within Troop 8, are a testament to the Boy Scout's 
dedication to serving the community.
  Boys who have passed through the program have gone on to become 
successful adults, upholding the ideals instilled during their time as 
Boy Scouts. The life skills provided by Troop 8 are invaluable in 
preparing these young men for future roles and responsibilities. 
Moreover, the Chatham community is extremely thankful for the time and 
effort these young men contribute to improving their neighborhoods.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the members of the Boy Scout 
Troop 8 of Chatham, New Jersey for all of their service to the 
community, and in congratulating them and their scout leaders on their 
Centennial Anniversary.

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