NORTH SMITHFIELD – Scouting America Narragansett Council Northwest District has named Troop 1139 Slatersville the 2025 Troop of the Yr, additionally asserting particular person awards for 2 grownup leaders hailing from North Smithfield. Carol Dubois will probably be this 12 months’s recipient of the Captain George Bucklin Award and former 1139 Scoutmaster Josh Silvia will obtain the District Award of Advantage.
The troop, which presently consists of greater than 30 Scouts together with 20 “Scouters” or grownup leaders, was preceded by Troop 1, Slatersville, which started within the early 1900s. The unique troop disbanded in 1960, however was revitalized in 1973 and rebranded as Troop 1139.
Within the years since, 82 Eagle Scouts have risen by the 1139 ranks, with round six extra presently in course of, engaged on initiatives that embrace set up of village signage, enhancements to city trails and creation of latest lighting in a city park.
“The Troop of the Yr Award honors a Scouts BSA troop that exemplifies excellence in recruitment, programming, and management,” famous an announcement on the award. “Troop 1139 stands out for its vitality, creativity, and powerful year-round programming.”
The announcement factors to the work of the troop’s management workforce, together with Scoutmaster Russ Wright and Committee Chair Invoice Belamy, in bringing a steadiness of hands-on involvement and behind-the-scenes coordination.
“Whether or not it’s exploring new tenting spots, taking up recent challenges, or creating distinctive alternatives for Scouts to develop, the troop retains issues partaking and adventurous,” famous the District, which encompasses round 20 cities in Windfall County and the Blackstone Valley. “That teamwork, together with robust Scout participation and assist from households, has helped make Troop 1139 a vibrant and profitable unit.”
Dubois, a town-based physician with a non-public follow in Department Village, is being acknowledged for her long run dedication to this system. The medal was supplied for within the will of a Scout benefactor, Captain George Bucklin, and has been introduced to 1 particular person every district within the Narragansett Council yearly for the reason that Forties.
“Dr. Carol Dubois has been a devoted Scouting volunteer for many years, serving with distinction at each the district and council ranges,” famous district officers. “As chair of the development committee, her steering and dedication have helped numerous Scouts attain their objectives.”
Silvia, meanwhile, was named to the highest honor a district can bestow on a registered Scouter with the District Award of Merit. A senior fire protection sales rep with J.C. Cannistraro, Silvia began his time with the scouting program as a Tiger Den Leader in 2009. He preceded Wright as scoutmaster of Troop 1139 and has served with the Northwest District for some 15 years.
“Even after both of his sons earned Eagle Scout and aged out, he has remained deeply involved, driven by his belief in Scouting’s lasting impact on youth,” noted the district. “Today, he focuses on mentoring fellow Scouters through his work as a Commissioner and Wood Badge staffer. We’re proud to recognize Josh with the District Award of Merit for his continued dedication to strengthening the program at every level.”
All three achievements will be celebrated at the Northwest District Awards Dinner on Wednesday, May 14 at Twelve Acres in Smithfield.
