East Islip Student Earns Prestigious Eagle Scout Badge

EAST ISLIP, NY — An East Islip Boy Scout recently earned scouting’s highest honor and will be recognized a ceremony in November.

Sachin Kamath, a member of Troop 205, completed his Eagle Board of Review on June 12,officially making him the 114th Eagle Scout in the history of Troop 205 of Great River, East Islip, and Islip Terrace.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank or achievement in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, approximately four percent of scouts have earned this rank after a rigorous review process, according to officials.

To become an Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn 21 merit badges, of which 13 are specifically Eagle required, progress through six rank advancements and plan, develop, and implement a major service project for the community.

"Becoming an Eagle Scout has been a significant part of my life. My Scouting journey has been a time of self-discovery, skill-building, and community service," Sachin said. "Through it all, I have learned about who I am and what I stand for."

So far, Sachin has earned 41 Merit Badges and developed robotic clubs at JFK Elementary School and RCK Elementary School in the East Islip School District as his Service Project to earn his Eagle Scout status, according to Mark Businski, scoutmaster of Troop 205 which is sponsored by the Great River Fire Department.

On his "Road to Eagle," Sachin also served Troop 205 as an assistant patrol leader and troop guide, assisting younger Scouts in their rank advancements.

During his time as a scout, Sachin spent 37 camping nights with his troop. Some of his favorite experiences include camping at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp and Onteora Scout Reservation, Montauk Fishing trips, biking and hiking weekend at Indian Island County Park, Harriman State Park, and ziplining at Camp Somers in New Jersey.

Sachin has also earned awards and achievements including the Webelos Arrow of Light, Firem’n Chit, Tot’in Chit, and Cyber Chip, and earning the Hello, World NOVA Awards, as well as receiving the NOA Award for Camping.

Sachin is currently in ninth grade at East Islip High School where he's maintained High Honor Roll since sixth grade and was a member of the National Junior Honor Society. He's a recipient of the Excellence Award, demonstrating overall academic excellence in all four major subject areas, plays the clarinet, and played first chair in band in sixth and eight grade. He also earned a superior rating in 'Music in the Parks" and participated in jazz band and NYSSMA.

Sachin, along with his Robotics Team, qualified for the Long Island Championships two years in a row and earned multiple awards for Robotics Team achievements. He has logged 45 hours of community service hours through the troop in addition to Eagle Service Project, including numerous community service events such as Keep Islip Clean, Save the Great South Bay, and compiling stockings for the local hospital.

"With the support of my Troop, leaders, and fellow Scouts, I am prepared to embrace the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs that lie ahead," Sachin said. "My Scouting journey has taught me to approach each day with a purpose and enthusiasm, knowing that every adventure and act of service brings me one step closer to make a positive difference in the world."

Sachin is the son of Dr. Vindhya Kamath and Sunil Kamath, who serves as a member of the Troop 205 Committee.

His Eagle Court of Honor ceremony is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 19., at 7 p.m., at Timber Point Elementary School.