Zach O'Connor, senior patrol leader of Guilford's Boy Scout Troop 471, began work this past weekend on his Eagle project, the construction of boxes and trees for cats at Forgotten Felines, a shoreline animal rescue organization. The boxes Zach and volunteers are building will provide a stable and warm place for cats living outdoors, and the trees will provide a vertical element for inside cats.

In 2011, the troop saw four boys earn the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition to Zach's, future projects include two for the Town of Guilford that just received Troop Committee approval.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the scouting program. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men. The title of Eagle Scout is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle".

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.

The troop is chartered at St. George Roman Catholic Church in Guilford. It meets weekly on Sunday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Boys of all denominations are welcome. It is not necessary to have been a Cub Scout to join Boy Scouts. For further information about the troop, contact Scoutmaster Steve O'Connor at 203-458-1643 or

gszmoconnor@sbcglobal.net.