Eagle Scout project provides info about region's wildlife
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

Ryan Karmel

MARLBORO - Children who enjoy the trails of Camp Arrowhead, Route 520, now have a way to identify the area's wildlife.

Ryan Karmel, 17, a member of Boy Scout Troop 86, designed, constructed and installed three wildlife identification stations in areas of the camp as part of a project to earn his Eagle Scout rank.

The identification stations contain photographs and information about the different species. Each identification station is 3 feet high and angled so that it may easily be viewed by small children.

Inspiration for the project came from a Boy Scout trip Ryan took to New Mexico, during which he visited a park and saw information posted about animals native to that area.

Ryan chose to have his identification stations installed along the trails at Camp Arrowhead, which is operated by the Community YMCA of Red Bank.

Gathering input from fellow scouts on what animals to feature, Ryan took their suggestions and narrowed them down to ones that youngsters may view along the trails at Camp Arrowhead. Once he had settled on his wildlife picks, Ryan set out to find sponsors for his project.

Ryan's mother, Eileen Gibney, the press liaison for Troop 86, said finding sponsors is part of the Eagle Scout project. She explained that the project is a requirement to attain the rank of Eagle Scout and said the project must benefit the community at large. A Scout must also earn 21 merit badges to be considered for the rank of Eagle Scout. All of the requirements must be completed before the scout turns 18.

Ryan said he found a sponsor in his grandfather's friend, Gerard Norkus, the owner of local Foodtown supermarkets. He also gained sponsorship from Lowe's home improvement stores.

"I hope people will use (the identification stations) for their intended purpose, enhancing their knowledge," Ryan said.

Ryan recently received his official recognition as the 50th Eagle Scout from Marlboro Boy Scout Troop 86. On Nov. 24 at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor in the Old Brick Reformed Church, Route 520, Ryan took the Eagle Scout pledge.

Ryan said his mother originally signed him up for Cub Scouts, and the experiences he enjoyed has led to his continued participation in the organization.

Going above and beyond the number of merit badges required to be considered for Eagle Scout honors, Ryan has also been the recipient of many awards within the Boy Scouts.

The recent honoree is a senior at Marlboro High School. Ryan is a member of the Marlboro High School marching band, concert band and the Mustangs' track and field team.

Boy Scout Troop 86 has been a part of the Marlboro area for almost 60 years. Recent projects completed by the troop include building walkways and bocce courts at the municipal complex, a puppet theater at the Marlboro library, and constructing benches, informational signs and parking guides at the entrance to the Henry Hudson Trail on Route 79.