ETHAN MATTE: SELF-PROCLAIMED Y KID, SELECTS THE Y AS BENEFICIARY OF HIS EFFORTS

When 18-year-old YMCA member Ethan Matte had to choose a meaningful project to earn his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout badge, he wanted to do something to benefit the YMCA, which his mother shares is a big part of his life. After chatting with Camp Sargent Director Tiffany Joslin, it was decided that a great addition to camp would be new picnic tables. Ethan researched different built options, which materials to use that would withstand the elements, and decided to build six large 8’ long picnic tables for the campers. Additionally, he planned the fundraising to accomplish this project which included a car wash with fellow Scouts in Merrimack center.

The finished picnic tables were delivered off season, and an Eagle Court of Honor celebration was planned for May 1 at Camp Sargent’s outdoor pavilion, feting Ethan for his Scouting career and achievements.

Tim Yon, a fellow Scout from Troop 424 in Merrimack, constructed a new slingshot range for Camp Sargent. “The boys were grateful for the opportunity to partner with the YMCA on their path to Eagle  and have been encouraging upcoming Scouts to seek out a partnership with the Y as well,” said Justine Matte, Ethan’s mother.

“This past summer and fall, the boys worked tirelessly on a few community service projects for YMCA’s Camp Sargent. The boys thought it may be nice to hold their ceremony on site (at Camp Sargent) so if guests wanted to see their completed projects they would have an opportunity to show them off.

Ethan shared a recap of his scouting career in front of fellow Scouts, friends, family, and guests, including six local and state dignitaries and representatives of Boy Scouts of America. He spoke about the badge work that he completed to achieve this rank. Service, community engagement and leadership development are important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process.

Justine shared, “We are a Y family through and through. My five kids were raised here. The youngest was an infant when I volunteered in Kids Stop.” Justine has volunteered in Kid Stop for 13 years. Ethan is a lifeguard at the Merrimack Y. Ethan’s sister Stephanie, age 21, is in her 5th year as a Y employee, and has worked in many areas of the Y including as a life guard, swim instructor, Welcome Center representation, School’s Out teacher, and as a counselor and lifeguard at Camp Sargent. Sister Julia, age 19, works in the Early Education Center as a teacher. Siblings, Brady age 16, and Marissa, age 14, have been involved in Y programs for much of their life.

Thank you to the Matte family for your engagement and commitment to the YMCA! And congratulations to Ethan for this high level achievement and for choosing the Y for the Eagle Scout project.