THE rain didn’t keep too many folks away from Waterville Boy Scout Troop 101’s 100th anniversary alumni event.
In fact, there were 100 plus attendees for the festivities at Parker Square, a new park in Waterville, the location of the old elementary school on Aug. 2. After all, these are scouts and they are used to braving the weather.
As guests caught up with each other, including some who had come back after many years, they viewed the display of the 42 cars that were entered in the Pinewood Derby car show.
A chicken BBQ prepared by scouters including Luke Hertzfeld , Peter Hertzfeld , and Jim Moeller was followed by a recognition of troop scoutmasters, Eagle Scouts, and high adventure participants.
Troop 101 was founded in 1925. There are currently about 50 members who have the opportunity to experience summer camp at Camp Frontier at Pioneer Scout Reservation, Camp Miakonda in Sylvania, a canoe trip on the Manistee River at Smithville Landing, Put-in-Bay, Winter Weekends, Camp Alaska, and Spring and Fall Camporees. About 20 boys attend each campout and a small group go to Philmont, N.M. for two weeks.
Waterville’s Troop 101 is in Swan Creek District and Erie Shores Council.
The troop does everything they can to help scouts achieve their potential by teaching them life skills including responsibility, time management, and respect, according to its website. Every Monday, except on holidays, Troop 101 meets at the Waterville United Methodist Church.
Many of these alumni scouts are still around and helping but on this night they shared the common bonds of scouting. Some started out as a child and others started when their sons were in scouts. And oh, the memories. There were stories of adventures in sub-zero or rainy weather campouts and hiking all over the country. Plus, unexpected creatures in tents, and cooking their own meals and cleaning up.
Not all troops still cook their own meals at camp, but in Troop 101 it is part of the experience, according to current scout master Rick Yokum , and sometimes they get pretty creative. By the way, Yokum is proud that his sons are all Eagle Scouts. While the summer is coming to an end, that won't stop the scouting adventures in rain, sleet, and even snow.
Among the attendees were 33 of the 166 Waterville Troop 101 Eagle Scouts including Kevin Leedy , twins Mark and Mike Greenwood , and Jim Squier .
The Eagle Scout rank, the highest level of achievement in the program, is awarded for a scout’s dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to serving their community. Walt Celley , said being an Eagle says a lot about a young man’s character and it is seen in the community leaders wherever one goes. It builds relationships, leadership, and respect for others.
An Eagle progresses through the ranks, earning a minimum of 21 required badges, from first aid and citizenship to emergency preparedness, communication, cooking, personal fitness, personal management, camping, environment science, and more.
A scout must hold leadership positions within their scout troop and lastly, complete a service project which provides a scout the opportunity to plan, develop, fundraise, organize volunteers, and lead a service project that benefits their community or a non-profit organization.
Bravo to the alumni committee of several current troop leaders including Yokum, as well as alumni scouts Paul Croy , Doug Smith , John Henry , Scott Gmitter , Jim Valtin , and Jim Moeller . Henry also served as MC for the evening.
For information go to watervilletroop101.org .
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