Scouting at MMA

Scouts BSA Troop 1889

MMA Nurtures New Scouting Troop

“Be Prepared.” The famed Scouting motto has helped countless young men navigate their way through life. “Scouting complements the life of a cadet,” says Richard Dehlinger ’93, Missouri Military Academy deputy commandant of activities and support. “Most of our core values are the same as those taught in the Scouting program.” The Academy has reinstated Scouts BSA after a long hiatus. Troop 1889 formed last year with 10 cadets. Membership has grown to 35 this year but there is always room for more Scouts in the troop, says Dehlinger, who also serves as scoutmaster. “All a cadet needs to do to join is come to a meeting on any given Thursday night in the Cadet Canteen,” he says. “Or, they can meet with me anytime to express interest and I will walk them through the necessary paperwork to sign up.” Formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in fifth grade through high school. Training focuses on responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through outdoor adventures, educational activities and career-oriented programs. Scouts BSA is open to young cadets whether experienced or not, all of whom will have the chance to earn Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. For those cadets who have been in Scouts before or currently belong to a unit, MMA can help them get back on track and pick up right where they left off. Troop 1889 is active during the school year when MMA students are on campus. Thursday meetings include older scouts helping new scouts get qualified in the ranks of Scouting while the older cadets work on the material they need to obtain merit badges, Dehlinger says. “We do encourage the cadets to get involved in activities offered around campus such as weekend outings, including trips to museums, ball games, camping trips — and so much more.” Scouts are expected to maintain a higher standard in academics and discipline, Dehlinger notes. “With these higher standards will come awards that can be worn on MMA uniforms and rank promotions within the corps of cadets,” he adds. “Scouting is a prime example of ‘you get out of it what you put into it,’ ” Dehlinger says. “Some of our cadets joined Scouts to be a part of something, and it gives them something to do. Other cadets joined because they want to earn Eagle Scout.”

Two cadets in Troop 1889 have completed their Eagle Scout projects benefiting the MMA campus, he says. Cadet William English built a Gaga Ball pit last fall and Cadet John Murphy landscaped several areas around the campus. “As the Senior Patrol Leader or scout in charge of the troop here, I have had the fortune of working with our next generation of scouts,” English says. “I always like seeing the boys and their spirit at our meetings. Many of them are hard at work to achieve their own Eagle badge, and I am honored to provide insight into the work that is needed to complete such a pivotal task.”

Involved with scouting since the first grade, English says he wanted to become an Eagle Scout for several reasons, which include following in the footsteps and encouragement of family and friends.

“I wanted to be an Eagle to make my mother proud,” he says. “She has always been there for me when it came to Scouting. Too often I wouldn’t listen, but in the end, she is right, as always. Now, I look forward to giving back to my brothers in both my home troop and here at the Academy.”

PHOTO, TOP LEFT: Cadets Thinh Nguyen and Damien Brown cook over an open fire while camping at Lake Mismilaca on campus.

PHOTO, TOP RIGHT: Cadet Damian White puts up a tent.

PHOTO, ABOVE LEFT: Cadets Ming Han Liu and Hanlei Xiao assist a Scout during the 2019 NOVA camp hosted at MMA.

PHOTOS, ABOVE MIDDLE AND RIGHT: Cadets help Cadet William English with his Eagle Scout project, the construction of a Gaga Pit, a traditionally Jewish game played in a walled-off space, typically a hexagon or octagon.