SCOUTING

EAGLE SCOUTS Learning Leadership

Living with Character Leaving a Legacy

by Emily Tilly photo courtesy John McEntire

Left to right: Ruben Long, Gabriel Kohn, CJ Phelps, William Phelps, Trevor Suggs, Jacob Kohn, Mason Wakefield, Jay McEntire, Luke Alcott, Chaska Carleson, Hudson Massey, and Marcus Long.

Georgetown's Troop 405 has led hundreds of boys and young men through the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and, today, Scout Master John McEntire and Cub Scout Master Dustin Hammit are part of the driving force behind it. John says, “Our job is to expand upon scouts' outdoor and life skills and impart citizenship.” Scout leaders and the BSA do this through a primary focus on character and leadership development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.

Moving Through the Ranks

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade start as Cubs and continue through the Arrow of Light Ceremony during which they celebrate Cub Scout completion and promote to Boy Scouts. As Boy Scouts they may continue through various ranks on their way to the highest level, Eagle Scout.

Each rank builds on the previous one to reinforce skills learned and introduce new ones. In addition to meetings, campouts, and service opportunities, packs also hold a Court of Honor and other public ceremonies throughout the year to acknowledge merit badges and ranks achieved.

What Makes the Difference

Like countless organizations that require regular group gatherings, the world of scouting was also faced with operational challenges during the pandemic. However, using skillsets derived from years of managing and overcoming obstacles, Troop 405 was able to thrive. Given the range of ages within the troop, the challenges varied, but each was met with ingenuity and a commitment to “Just Show Up”—a principle turned into action by John, Dustin, Committee Chairman Jason Suggs, and the parents of Troop 405. Older scouts adapted to the lockdown by using Zoom and other online platforms to facilitate meetings and interaction with one another. As a result, Cub Scout Pack 405 was one of very few in Georgetown that remained operational during the initial COVID outbreak.

A Place for YOU

A Safe Place to Fail

Scout leaders regularly incorporate Youth Lead opportunities for scouts in the higher ranks, which allows them to help guide younger scouts and gain practical experience as leaders. Dustin explains, “We give them a safe place to fail. We want them to go out there, do things right, and do things well. So, we give them plenty of room to gain that experience in a safe, adult-supervised environment.”

Troop 405 is always looking for new recruits interested in being part of the BSA. As well, financial and material donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. Please contact John McEntire at mcentiredds@ gmail.com or Dustin Hammit at pack405gtx@gmail. com for information on membership in the Troop or to donate.

Our Experience is Mutual

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