BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - Boy Scout Troop 368 of Berkeley Heights and Mountainside held a press conference on Friday at the Berkeley Heights Rescue Squad on Snyder Avenue. Reporters were invited to talk with the young men who attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the past year.

Boy Scout troop 368 is a part of the Patriot’s Path Council. Their Scoutmaster, Rick Jurgens, and Eagle Advisor, Bill Schulz, were also on hand to discuss the young men’s skills and leadership.

Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Schulz has been advising the Eagle Advisor since 2006. He is an Eagle himself and his son, Jeff Schulz, earned the honor in 2006. He said that the young men do an” excellent job.” Schulz also pointed out that their responsibilities go far beyond the projects they initiate. Budgeting, project planning, management techniques, and communication skills are all a part of the project.

Bill Schulz also collects congratulatory letters from businesses and political leaders for each of the Eagles. The Eagle Scouts who attended Friday’s press event agreed that Schulz is a “fantastic advisor.”

Scoutmaster Rick Jurgens said, “We’re very proud of our Eagles, their hard work and the fact that they are making a difference in our community.” Jurgens has worked with the scouts for 10 years and has the honor of being an Eagle himself. Jurgens pointed out that the completed projects contributed nearly 2,000 service hours to the community.







During the 2012-2013 season, nine Scouts have been honored with the Eagle Scout distinction. They include Adrian Medeiros, Daniel Sullivan, Andrew Krasny, John Friedlander, Scott Brookes, Kieraj Mumick, Matthew Allegra, Jason Ross, and Michael Horwath.

Ross is a parishioner at the New Providence Faith Lutheran Church. He saw the need to build and improve upon the church’s pathway, refurbish their memorial garden, and do some important maintenance projects as well. As a member of the Faith Lutheran community, he was able to see the need for his project.

Brookes is a lifeguard at the Berkeley Heights Community Pool. For his project he refurbished the volleyball court there. He looks forward to having the courts well used in the summer when the pool re-opens. Local businesses including Dean’s Greens, Taylor Rental, and Halls contributed materials and supplies to his project.

Horwath built supply boxes for the recesses at William Woodruff Elementary School. Horwath started Cub Scouts at the school and wanted to “give back.” He also constructed bird houses for their garden area. Horwath appreciates the support he received from The Rotary Club of Berkeley Heights. The Scouts appreciate the continued support of the Rotary Club.

Kieraj Mumick built a desk, cubbies, and shelves for the Berkeley Heights YMCA. The initial planning began in June of 2012 and his project was finalized by the end of November. Mumick said, “It is very nice to see it used and they love it."

The combination of leadership, service and life skills explains why the rank of Eagle Scout is a prized achievement and the Eagles from Troop 368 are very accomplished young men. Those that receive the distinction of “Eagle Scout” frequently find that it assists them with college and job applications. Fewer than 5 percent of Scouts accomplish the rank of Eagle.