Boy Scouts

 SCOUTING 

As with every other organization and committee, 2020 was a difficult year for Scouting. Prior to the lockdowns, Winter and early Spring events went on as expected and great fun was had by all at the Pinewood Derby and Blue & Gold Awards Ceremony/Banquet. 

By April, events were being canceled. The scouts demonstrated their perseverance and creativity by moving away from their normal routine and started meeting outdoors, and eventually, moved to virtual Zoom meetings, merit badge clinics, Courts of Honor and even virtual campouts. The scout and adult leadership is to be commended for maintaining a high level of interest and enthusiasm in the program during this trying time. 

Summer had its own challenges. After 18 months of planning, and with the blessing of session and BSA, the High Adventure trip for 14+ year old scouts went on as scheduled. This crew went to High Adventure Northern Tier at the Boundary Waters Recreation area along both sides of the Minnesota/Canadian border. The annual Summer Camp however, went virtual with every scout/family camping in their own back yard and connecting to the troop via Zoom. Kudos to all that made this happen. 

The start of 2021 begins a new and hopeful year. Tentative plans are for regular camping outings to restart in March – keep your fingers crossed! The scouts are planning an out-of-council Summer Camp at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia along with a High Adventure for older scouts running simultaneously at the Summit. There is also a group headed to High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys. What a way to bounce Back!!! 

Unfortunately, Spaghetti Supper 2021 had to be canceled. It was just too soon. But hold on to your hats… Spring is just around the corner and the annual Lawn Mower Tune-up is Scheduled for April 3rd . St. Mark truly has one of the leading scouting programs in the district and I congratulate them on adapting and overcoming what could have been.

 Respectfully submitted, Chuck Livesay St. Mark Chartered Organization Representative