Boy Scouts of America

Troop 282

Blue Elk District • Heart of America Council, BSA

A Chartered Organization of Trinity Episcopal Church

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Archive for May, 2011

May 28th, 2011

Mt. Washington Cemetery

By Scott Howell

First let me say thank you to the scouts, leaders, brothers, sisters, dads, moms and grandparents who came out on a rainy Wednesday evening May 24, 2011 and helped with placing flags on the veteran’s grave sites. What a great honor for a scout troop to be selected by Mt. Washington Cemetery to come and take part in honoring our veterans. I hope everyone understands how important this service project is and what it means to the families of the veteran who we honored by taking the time to walk through the cemetery to place the America Flag at each grave site.

As I have walked through the cemetery many times to perform this wonderful service project each time I placed the flag of this great country at the top of the grave marker. I would thank that veteran for his or her service to his country by being in the armed forces to protect and stand up for all of our freedom.

If you didn’t take the time to drive through the cemetery when you left on Wednesday evening I hope some time this weekend you will take the time to take your family and go back to the cemetery to take a slow silent drive through the cemetery. It is a wonderful site to see all the flags of those veterans who cared so much to give part of their short time on earth to their country.

Memorial Day 2011 is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War. It was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end. Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day.

(See more pictures from this service project at Mt. Washington Cemetery in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

May 23rd, 2011

Tribal Celebration 2011

By Scott Howell

What a great weekend the Twenty-nine (29) tribesmen from our troop had at the Tribal Celebration on May 20, 21 and 22.

It all started with a rededication by all tribesmen present to our third resolution. Then everyone moved to late night in Lone Bear where there was entertainment for all the young men as well as those who are just past being young. Then on Saturday our Chieftain Challenge team (Austin Newberry, William Chinnery, John Verman, Matt Moorman, JP Joyce, Taylor Blann, Matt Copeland and Doug Spencer went to work against the clock and the different events. Our team was encouraged on all day by Tyle Templeton and Craig Gentry. Our team completed all but one of the events by 4:00 PM. Great Job. The rest of us spend the day talking and visiting with fellow tribesman and bidding on items in the silent auction at the Great Hall. As I said it was a great day.

Then after dinner every one got ready to go to Lone Bear for the Chieftain Ceremony and to find out which team won the Chieftain Challenge. Once again our team heard their name called placing 4th in the Chieftain Challenge. Great Job!!!!! This was the second year in a role that our troop has had our team place. Maybe in 2012 we can have two teams of boys to take part in this fun event and both will place. We all witnessed as Frank Wright became our new presiding Chieftain for 2011 – 2012. It was a great ceremony.

Then as everyone one was getting up on Sunday morning Cabin No. 2 had their own aerobat performance by our own Gilbert Dowding as he rolled across the cabin floor as he got out of the top bunk in the cabin. Gilbert was alright and it is my understanding that he scored 10 points on style.

I hoped everyone had a great time and I am looking forward to hopefully taking even more Troop 282 tribesman to the 2012 Tribal Celebration.

(See more pictures from the 2011 Tribal Celebration in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

May 5th, 2011

“A Look Through the Open Door”

By Dave Woodman

There are many Scout troops but few who possess the tradition and record of success that Troop 282 enjoys. So, when the invitation came to deliver the Eagle Charge, I accepted with a feeling of gratitude.

Not having attended one of your Eagle Ceremonies, I did not know what to expect. Thus, I was all eyes and ears trying to absorb everything that was going on. Beginning with the assembly of the Scouts prior to entering, it was clear that this would be different from other Eagle courts I had attended.

The introduction of the Eagle recipients and their parents began a unique experience for me. It became obvious that much thought and preparation had gone into the evening’s program. I especially enjoyed the prose presented by the two Scouts. The presentation of the Rose reminded me of the large Eagle Courts that had been held in the Music Hall downtown.

All in all, as an outsider it was a revealing look into the heart of an excellent Scout unit. The level of organization and sense of purpose bodes well for any young man who joins Troop 282. For me, I won’t soon forget the evening and appreciate the opportunity to participate.

(See more pictures from the 4/25/11 Eagle Court of Honor in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)