Howell Resident's Eagle Scout Project Benefits Chariot Riders of Farmingdale

The Scout Oath states . . . “On my honor, I will do my best to do my Duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. Peter “PJ” Carfagno exemplifies the true Scouting spirit through every aspect of his life. Peter has proven to be an outstanding Scout and all-around good citizen. A special interest of Peter’s is to “help other people at all times.” He has been a leader to the younger boys in the Scouting program at Saint Veronica’s Boy Scout Troop 300 in Howell over the past few years. The Scouts looks up to Peter, because he is patient, kind, and very knowledgeable in his Scout skills. This proved to be a valuable asset for him while undertaking his Eagle Project.

Peter wanted to do something meaningful and give back to the community. He contacted Chariot Riders which is a Therapeutic Riding Facility in Farmingdale for children with special needs, and found they needed a horse shower. The area that was being used for the horse showering was an uneven section of dirt, and the drainage was poor and caused water to build up which was not the most convenient for the horses or their caretakers. Peter decided to create a concrete pad with crossties and level the drainage area so the horses would have a safe, stable area to be showered. PJ oversaw fellow Boy Scouts, friends, family, adult leaders, and even a few Girl Scouts while they dug out the area where the concrete pad for the horse shower would be laid, leveling the cement, filling in the area around the drainage system, and installing the cross ties. The project began in April and due to the inclement weather concluded the first week of July. It took a total of 30 people and 228 volunteer hours to complete. He was a very hands-on leader during the entire project ensuring that every detail was completed successfully.

Peter doesn’t only volunteer as a Scout, he also over the past three years has offered his time and talents to teach special needs children hockey at the Brick Challenger program. Peter recently graduated from Freehold Township High School. As a member of the National Honor Society, he volunteered as a tutor for students and worked at the student café. Not only did PJ excel in academics, but he also made his mark as an athlete. While a student, he was a Varsity hockey player, and was invited to join the Junior League to mentor and teach the younger players the ropes on the Howell Inline Hockey Club over the past three years. As Alternate Captain of the Varsity Hockey Team, he was awarded the Ron Reed Leadership Award. He was also given the male student sportsmanship award for Freehold Township High School, and was honored at the Shore Conference award ceremony. Peter also received the Howell Chamber of Commerce Scholarship. In the Fall, he plans on attending Seton Hall for their five-year Masters in Athletic Training program.

Peter “PJ” Carfagno has left his mark in the typical and special needs communities. He is a young humanitarian, and a good Scout. There are no limits to how high this Eagle will fly.