MEET OUR LEADERS

When joining a scout troop is important that the new scout and his parents have complete faith and trust in the quality of the adult leaders running the program. We feel that the adult leadership of our troop is unmatched. All of our leaders are dedicated Scouters, committed to offering a fantastic & memorable program and making the youth of Gasport great citizens. Each of adults is of the utmost character, integrity, and family values.

Chris Jones, Scoutmaster: Chris was a den leader in Pack 18 for four years. He joined Troop 18 when his son's den crossed over in 2005 and he became scoutmaster of the troop in 2008. He is on the church council at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and is President of the board for Noah's Ark Preschool. Chris enjoys outdoor activities including camping, traveling, and four-wheeling. Chris is employed at Woodward Industries in Tonawanda as a CAD operator and CNC machinist.

Dan MacNeal, Assistant Scoutmaster:  Dan joined the Troop in 2006.  Although new to scouting, he is always been active in the outdoors.  Dan enjoys hiking and climbing in the Adirondacks, fishing, camping, geocaching and gardening.  His indoor pursuits include woodworking and remodeling his new home.  Dan has also worked with youth as a Little League Baseball and Football coach, as well as assisting with field trips through his employer.  Dan is employed as the Senior Accountant of the Buffalo Urban League.

Larry Baptiste, Assistant Scoutmaster:  Larry has been involved with leading scouts since 1997 when his son Matt joined Pack 18.  He was a Webelos leader from 2000 to 2002 and is still active today with Pack 18 as Cubscout Leader for the Wolfs den.  He began his tenure with Troop 18 in 2002 and says he will be active with the troop until both sons earn their Eagles. Larry has been employed by NYS for 20 years as a Fire and Safety Officer. He has been an assistant coach for Little League baseball and football. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing, trapping and camping.  Larry has been a Mason for 25 years.

Kirk Neubauer, Assistant Scoutmaster & Troop Chairman: Kirk has been an Assistant Scoutmaster since 1995. He is a Trustee with our sponsor, Covenant United Church of Christ. Kirk is a tool and die maker with Sherwood Selpack and a toolbooth operator with the NY Thruway Authority. An avid outdoorsman, Kirk enjoys the Adirondacks and the Scouting program.

Wayne Forrest, Assistant Scoutmaster: Wayne achieved the rank of Star as a Scout. He attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Wayne served in Pack 18 as a Webelos leader for two years and when his Den crossed over into Troop 18 in 2001 he joined as an Assistant Scoutmaster. In 2005 he took on the responsibility of Scoutmaster and served in that role till 2008. Wayne has certificates from the Red Cross in Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. An avid outdoorsman, Wayne enjoys Scouting, camping, traveling, skiing, and fishing. He is an engineering manager at Delphi Thermal Systems.

Jason Marotta, Assistant Scoutmaster & Troop Treasurer: Jason is a product of the Troop. He earned his Eagle rank in 2002. He became one of our Assistant Scoutmasters in 2002. Jason has his own lawn care business and is attending SUNY Brockport. Jason has certificates from the Red Cross in Lifeguard and First Aid. He, too, is an avid outdoorsman and loves to hunt and fish.

Bob Confer, Assistant Scoutmaster & Alumni Relations Coordinator: Bob is a product of the troop. He joined as a scout in 1986 and earned his Eagle rank in 1992. He  was the troop's scoutmaster from 1997 through 2004. As a Scout, Bob has been to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and the National Jamboree. Bob worked as the Nature Director at Camp Dittmer in 1993 and 1994. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys camping, hunting, fishing and softball. Bob is the Vice President of Confer Plastics and an editorial columnist with the Greater Niagara Newspapers.