Tag Archive for: Scouts

Local youth groups participate in Veterans Day parade (2025)

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All the local youth groups that participated in the Veterans Day Parade, in Waterville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

“It is so important for the community to honor, pay respect, and show gratitude to all veterans but especially for those in our community and in some cases our own family who have shown the courage to serve our country with the ultimate belief that service above all else is what they are committed to,” said Christopher Santiago, Kennebec Valley District Commissioner of Pine Tree Council, Scouting America. “Scouting has had a long relationship with the military and veterans. Our Scout Oath reads directly to do our Duty to God and Duty to Our Country. With that being said, honoring our country and those who protect it is a very real opportunity to teach young people about citizenship and the responsibility we have to our country and community. Not everyone will serve in the military, but individuals serve as police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and so many other professions for the purpose of serving others. Participating in the Veterans Day Parade allows us the opportunity to make these lessons real and encourage our youth to think about the positive impact they can have in the lives of others.”

Vassalboro Troop #410, march down Main St., in Waterville. Other groups participating included Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410, Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445, Winslow Troop #433, Oakland Cub Scout Pack #454, Augusta Troop #603, and Girl Scouts Arnold Trail Service Unit Troop #1521. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Local scouts attend international camporee

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Youth from Troop #433, Winslow, Parker Small, Instructor Amber Chesley, Ashish Debas, Russell Lawler, doing the lab rats maze. Below, Fallyn Soucy, of Troop #433, Winslow, and instructor Jeff “Turtle” DeHart, at the tomahawk range. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The date was September 26 when several cars and trucks rolled into Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge, in Baring. The vehicles were filled with 150 youth and leaders of Scouting America ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead in the 63rd annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee. The theme of the camporee was Zombie Apocalypse.

That evening Scouts from all over Maine set up their campsites and made it home for the night. The following day scouts roamed the refuge field near the YCC building going from station to station completing various skills including first aid, archery, tomahawk throwing, citizenship, and emergency preparedness. The fan favorite for the weekend was the obstacle course where each patrol had to rescue a victim of a zombie attack who was hurt and in a cave. At the starting point, the team would have to carry supplies needed to assemble a makeshift stretcher, through the obstacle course. Once inside the pretend cave, assemble the stretcher at which point they had to carefully place the victim on the stretcher, in this case, the victim being a 2×4 constructed dummy with full articulating limbs and a Styrofoam head with wig for dramatic effect. At this point the team would have to work together to carry the dummy/victim back through the obstacle course to the start point. The youth attending rapidly nicknamed the victim “Franky” for looking like something that might have come out of Frankenstein.

Other stations included “pathogen identification” where youth learned about pathogens that affect wildlife. “Build a bug out bag” which teaches youth how to build an emergency preparedness bag. In the “cross the river station” youth learn how to build a bridge using minimal supplies. “Early warning” was a station where youth used random items commonly found in a campsite to build a makeshift trap style alarm just in case a zombie wanders in their campsite in the middle of the night. “Feed the Zombie” was a station where youth tossed fake brains into a zombie mouth for accuracy and points. “Primitive fire building” taught youth old style flint and steel fire building. “Zombie-a-pult” allowed youth to launch golf balls at empty water bottles. The “zombie blockade” taught youth how to build a makeshift real fence using their lashing skills. “Move the zombie head” was a station where youth had to move a tenpin bowling ball (the zombie head) approximately 20 feet with rope, bungee straps and what they could find in their bug out bag all while not touching the ball. Teamwork rules the day in all of these events.

Park ranger Maurice Mills and the local HAM amateur radio club supplied a station where youth learned Morse code and how to talk on a HAM radio to individuals all around the world.

Every scout and scout unit participated in a service project for the Moosehorn Refuge. This was a maintenance project on the handicap fishing pier, where the scouts scrapped the old paint from the pier and painted it with a new coat of brown paint. The project was completed in good time and helps to preserve the pier for future use. According to the refuge the pier is used quite often.

In the evening, all of the participants gathered for a common closing campfire where the youth performed skits, dances, cheers and songs. A few of the performances included “The world’s biggest conga line”, “Augh! Zombies! Skit”, “Jet to holiday skit”, “Zombie invisible bench skit” and “3-legged pig skit” just to name a few. The campfire was closed out with a song from Camporee Campmaster (self-proclaimed “Head Beagle) Chris “Montawagon” Bernier, of Winslow, called Fade Away on his 12- string guitar, a long tradition at this event, and a ceremony of ashes lead by long time staffer Mike “Ranger ML” Locke. “In the Ashes” ceremony a container of campfire ashes are added to the fire. These ashes are from many previous campfires from all over the world as well as several national and international jamborees. Scouts are encouraged to take the ashes the next morning and mix them with ashes of campfires in the future. Thus, carrying the legacy of Scouting through their journey through the program and life.

Scouts from the following units were in attendance: Troop #433, Winslow, Pack #2123, Holden, Troop #2019, Ellsworth, Troop #139, Cherryfield, Troop #72, Old Town, Troop #125, Machias, Troop #102, Bucksport, Troop #482, Pittsfield, Troop #86, Ellsworth, Troop #1, Eddington, Troop #213B, Damariscotta, Troop #41, Hampden and Pack #454, Oakland. Unfortunately, this year no Canadian Scouts were in attendance of the camporee. However, we did have two Canadians in camp during the weekend who helped keep the tradition of the international event.

On Sunday the September 28, there was a closing ceremony and then prizes were handed out for the various competitions over the weekend. Troop #125, Machias, received the Bob McVicor Award for best exemplifying the Scout Oath and Law during the weekend.

The following youth received the Mike Bonvie Honor Scout Awards during the weekend:

Ella Rhyne, of Troop #433, Winslow, accepting this year’s 2025 Mike Bonvie Award. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Jace Patterson, of Troop #76, Ella Rhyne, of Troop #433, Ian Aldrich, of Troop #76, and Anika Varnum, of Troop #2019. This award is given to individual Scouts who most exemplify the Scout oath and Law at the event.

Best overall for competitive events, first place was awarded to Troop #254 and Troop #1, who worked together through the weekend to earn first place. Second place went to Troop #2019, third place went to Troop #125 “Pick up patrol”, and a tie for fourth place went to Troop #76 and Troop #428.

A gateway competition was also held. Troop #433 took first place in the gateway competition with Troop #125 taking second and Troop #86 taking third.

After the closing ceremony and awards, the camporee ended with a statement from Campmaster Chris saying, “Safe journey home to all of you and may the great scoutmaster be with all of you until we meet again” and the attendees replied in kind “Until we meet again”. The crowd slowly made its way back to their vehicles and left the refuge better than they found it, all the while excited to return in a year for the 64th annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee in 2026.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Thomas Gage earns rank of Eagle Scout

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Marcy Gage places the Eagle Scout neckerchief on her son Thomas’ shoulders. Behind is Assistant Scoutmaster Shawn Hayden. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Thomas Gage, son of Donald and Marcy Gage of Canaan, received Scouting America’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout medal- during a ceremony on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the American Legion Post #16.

Gage, who is a member of Troop #485, chartered by the Skowhegan Federated Church, earned 40 merit badges ranging from Scuba Diving and Life Saving to Cooking and Camping. He has also experienced exciting Scouting programs at Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade, Camp Hinds, in Raymond, Camp Roosevelt, in Eddington, and at the annual Cobscook/Moosehorn International Camporee.

Scouts from as far away as Augusta and Wilton attended the occasion recognizing the accomplishment that fewer than four percent of all Scouts nationwide actually achieve. Walter Fails, of New Sharon, served as Master of Ceremonies. “As Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop #485, I certify that this Scout has actively participated in Scouting in their troop, demonstrated leadership, and done their best to help in their home, school, church and community,” said Shawn Hayden, of Skowhegan. Before becoming an Eagle, all candidates must complete a significant project to benefit their community. Thomas conducted a Child ID event to bring awareness to the importance of child safety and helping law enforcement in a time of need.

The Eagle Scout medal was pinned on Thomas’ uniform by his mother who also replaced his troop neckerchief with the Eagle Scout neckerchief. This took place after Thomas reaffirmed his commitment to continue to live up to the high ideals of Scouting:

“On my honor, I will do my best to make my training an example and my status and influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship, in my troop, in my community, and in my contact with other people,” Thomas Gage said. “To this I pledge my sacred honor.” This Eagle Charge was led by Darrin Files, former Scoutmaster of Troop #485. Letters of congratulations were shared from the entire Congressional delegation and State Senator Brad Farrin presented a legislative sentiment, a flag that had flown above the State House, in Augusta, and a special challenge coin. Additionally, he received special recognition from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the National Park Service; and the Blue Angels, among others.

Gregory Bard earns high rank of Eagle Scout

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Gregory Bard’s mother, Mary, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his uniform. (contributed photo)

by Dan Allarie

Fewer than one of every youth who dons a Scout uniform will attain the Eagle Scout rank. Gregory Bard, of Troop# 401, in Sidney, managed to soar to that height and a ceremony was held in his honor at the former St John Catholic School, in Winslow, where he was presented this significant recognition.

Family and friends and fellow Scouts gathered on June 7 to celebrate all Greg had achieved in Scouting. After reviewing his accomplishments and highlighting some of his experiences, Troop #401 Scoutmaster spoke directly to Greg and with great solemnity said, “Be a leader but lead only toward the best. Lift every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So, live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living. We have too many who use their strength and their brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends.”

Gregory’s mother Mary pinned the Eagle Scout medal onto his uniform and in turn he presented parent pins to his mother and his father Ryan.

Local leaders, such as Tom Purtell, of the Marine Corps League, and State Representative Alicia Collin,s of Sidney, presented Greg with testimonials and certificates. National leaders also added their praise of his accomplishments.

“The Eagle Scout award represents a great deal of hard work and dedication on your part. The improvements you made at the Sidney Athletic Association will be used and enjoyed for many years. You should be justly proud,” noted U.S. Senator Susan Collins. Greg’s Eagle Scout project saw him lead in the extension of the association’s storage shed and construct a new roof. The shed was not sufficient for all of the maintenance tools and grounds equipment. More than 100 hours of service was given to make this project happen and all of it was under the direction of Greg Bard.

“It is clear that you have developed a natural and effective leadership style- one built on leading by example, following direction when needed, and guiding others towards a shared goal,” Congressman Jared Golden wrote in his congratulatory letter. “That’s a rare combination, and one that will serve you well throughout life.”

Scoutmaster Handley gave one last piece of advice: “As an Eagle Scout, you become a guide to other Scouts of lower rank. You become an example in your community. Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people will expect more of you.”

PHOTOS: Flag retirement in Palermo

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Post Adjutant Duane Alexander placing the first flag in the fire. (contributed photo)

American Legion Post #163, in Palermo, held a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14.

Post #163 worked in collaboration with the Palermo Fire Department, Cub Scout Pack #609, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion. (contributed photo)

Cub Scout Pack #609, led by pack leader Shawn McFarland, assisted in folding the flags in preparation for the ceremony the week before. (contributed photo)

Troop #603 earns Paul Bunyan award

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Group photo, left to right, Sgt. Scott Maddox, Life Scout Ian Martin, 1st Class Zach Corson, Life Scout Trenton Franklin, 2nd Class Jeffrey Mason, and Life Scout Tristan Morton. (contributed photo)

by Jeffrey Morton

It rained Friday, May 23, soaking the ground and pulling the temperature into the 50s for the start of Paul Bunyan Training the next day. Scouts arrived smiling as rain is good news when working with Maine Forest Rangers – a lower chance of the Rangers being called out on a fire. Senior scouts from Troop #603 arrived at the Bolton Hill Regional Facility eager to learn, demonstrate, and train. They were met by Sergeant Scott Maddox, District Forest Ranger and Eagle Scout.

The day began with safety and equipment. Each scout was issued helmets, eye protection, leather gloves, and walked through the proper use of six tools including the sharpened Forestry Shovel, Pulaski, Sharpened Fire Rake, Single Head Axe, Bow Saw, and Pick Hoe. Moving to a slash pile at the edge of the Helicopter Landing Zone, each scout demonstrated proper employment of the tools and safety consideration.

Next the Scouts had to create a fire line which was a daunting task and then they stepped into a helicopter to see what it would be like for the firemen to have to go into a remote area via helicopter to reach a fire in a wilderness area.

Troop #603 gained a huge appreciation for the mission of Maine’s Forest Service and discussed the career pathways that support joining this diverse, well trained, and critical capability in our “Pine Tree State.”

Scouts in Helicopter (contributed photo)

Creating a Fire Line (contributed photo)

Memorial Day: A remembrance of why freedom is not free

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Flag Placing Day, left to right, Assistant Scoutmaster Millard Davis, Russell Lawler, Ashish Dabas, Parker Small, Violet Haigis, Falyn Soucy, Ashlin McDermmott, Senior Patrol Leader Allison Dorr, Ryder Small Jr., Assistant Scoutmaster Addison Poulin, Scoutmaster Chris Bernier. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouting America teaches young boys and girls many great values. One of the more important lessons in Scouting is Duty to God and country. The youth of Troop #433 and Cub Scout Pack #445- both from Winslow- certainly fulfilled that lesson on Friday May 23rd as they helped American Legion Post 5 in Waterville place just under 1000 US Flags at St. Francis and Oak Grove Cemetery in Waterville Maine upon the graves of veterans.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

The day was heavy overcast with off and on drips of rain. Troop #433 and Pack #445 arrived at 4 p.m. Commander Craig Bailey of American Legion Post #5 was waiting with several totes of American flags to be placed out at the graves of deceased veterans. The Scouts eagerly took handfuls of flags and set out to various parts of the cemetery. They worked each row looking for foot markers showing military service time. “It’s unfortunate, we know there are several hundred more veterans in this cemetery who do not have military foot makers. This makes finding every single service member hard, but we do the best we can to find them all,” said Commander Craig Bailey.

The Scouts worked until 6:30 p.m., when they ran out of US flags. The Scouts then gathered for a brief photograph before departing. “We teach citizenship as one of the more important life lessons in Troop #433,” said Chris Bernier, Scoutmaster for Troop #433. “I personally believe that Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two of the more important days to remember. Showing our Scouts that we must remember and reflect on why they live in a free country is very important to me as it was taught to me by my Scoutmasters when I was a Scout.”

On May 26, Memorial Day, Troop #433 and Pack #445 returned to St. Francis Cemetery to participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post #5. In attendance were members of the Waterville Fire Department, the Knights of Columbus, the Waterville VFW post #1285, the Winslow VFW Post #8835. The ceremony commenced at 9:00 a.m., led by Commander Craig Bailey. The ceremony spoke of the sacrifices of all veterans during times of war. Commander Brandon Curtis of the Winslow VFW spoke about how our freedom is not free noting that there were thousands of soldiers who did not come back from war but instead paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms so we could live in a world where can vote for whom we wish in our elections; we can speak freely when we wish; we can also have differences of opinions and beliefs but still be neighbors. All of these freedoms have been protected by those who served in times of war.

The ceremony concluded with the sound of “Taps” being played by Nathanael Batson, a trumpet player and Eagle Scout from Fairfield, Maine. Shortly afterwars Commander Craig had a short departing prayer and everyone dispersed quietly.
Veterans. If you wish to join the American legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars please go to www.legion.org , www.vfw.org

Youth can join Scouting at www.beascout.scouting.org Or contact Chris Bernier at circleofone555@hotmail.com.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Area scouting leaders recognized with awards

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District Chairman Eric Handley, of Sidney, presented Scott Bernier with his Veteran Service Pin. Scott, of Augusta, has been consistently active in Scouting since he was a youth member for a total of 45 years. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouting leaders from Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Franklin and Somerset counties gathered to honor Yvette Bernier with the highest award a local Scouting district can bestow on a volunteer – the District Award of Merit – in recognition of her service as an Assistant Scoutmaster and volunteer role of nurse for many years both at Camp Bomazeen events, local camporees, and at the annual International Camporee, held at Cobscook State Park. She has served as a leader in Winslow Troop #433 for 15 years.

Yvette and Chris are so connected to Scouting in this area that they were married in 2010 at Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade. “I am honored to present you with the District Award of Merit in recognition of all you have done for Scouting,” said Kennebec Valley Advancement and Recognition Chair Luann Chesley of Vassalboro. The event was held at the Park and Recreation building, in Winslow, on Saturday, March 22.

During the evening, other awards were presented to the Scouting leaders. Scott Bernier and Chuck Mahaleris, both of Augusta, were presented the 45-year and 50-year Veteran Scouting Service pins, respectively. District Training Chairman Walter Fails, of New Sharon, presented the Den Leader Training Award and Scouters Training Award Cub Level to Winslow’s Sabrina Garfield; the Scouters Training Award District Level to Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro; the Scouters Training Award Troop Level, to Stacey Wells, of Brooks and Shelley Connolly, of Pittsfield; Connolly also earned the Scoutmasters Key. Connolly is Scoutmaster of Troop #428 and Cubmaster of Pack #428, both in Pittsfield. Shelley also earned the Unit Leader Award of Merit and Troop #428 was recognized with the National Outdoor Challenge Award. Service recognition certificates were presented to members of the District Committee and Commissioner staff for their efforts to improve and expand Scouting in the five counties that make up the Kennebec Valley Scouting District.

Pine Tree Council Scout Executive Gary Savignano was on hand to share the appreciation of the Scout council to the assembled volunteer leaders and thanked them for their steadfast commitment to the youth of Maine.

District Award of Merit recipient Yvette Robichaud Bernier (center) with her daughter Paige Spears and husband Christopher Bernier. Paige is a member of Scouts Canada and earned Scout Canada’s Chief Scout Award. Chief Scout is the highest rank in the Scouting section of Scouts Canada, making it equivalent to Eagle Scout in Scouting America or Gold Award in Girl Scout. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Area scouts earn merit badges at badge college

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Ryan Poulin, President of New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, instructs Scouts including Elizabeth Blais, of Windsor, shown here on Personal Fitness Merit Badge. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, turned 115 years old on February 8. Scouts from central, western and southern Maine celebrated by doing something Scouts have done since the program began. – they earned merit badges.

The Kennebec Valley District hosted its annual Merit Badge College at Augusta’s First Church of the Nazarene and welcomed Scouts from nearby such as Augusta, Winthrop, Chelsea and Windsor to as far away as Gorham, Falmouth, Wilton, and Pittsfield.

“I am very impressed by our Scouts,” said Program Chairman Julie McKenney. “While other kids are sitting at home playing video games, these Scouts are learning about Graphic Arts, Architecture, and Digital Technology. The Merit Badge College could not happen without the volunteer Scouting leaders who are giving up three Saturdays to develop tomorrow’s leaders.”

McKenney, of Belgrade, stressed that these instructors are experts in the fields they are teaching. Such as Ryan Poulin, of Sidney, who taught Personal Management Merit Badge and is also the President of New Dimensions Credit Union. “Americans do not always make good financial decisions,” Poulin said. “Personal Fitness Merit Badge helps give the Scouts the tools they need to help them make good decisions down the road so they know how to avoid pitfalls and how to deal with them if they should happen.” One of the youth in his class was Augusta Troop #603 Star Scout Elizabeth Blais, of Windsor. “Merit Badges teach you important skills you can use throughout your life,” Blais said. She hopes to be an Eagle Scout one day.

Chris Clark, of Damariscotta, is a Tenderfoot Scout in Troop #213 draws in Scouts from all over Lincoln County. “I like learning things in Scouting,” Clark said during Coin Collecting Merit Badge class. “It’s fun.”

Theresea Poirier, of Augusta, one of the organizers of the event, said that over the course of three Saturdays nearly fifty Scouts will earn a total of 84 merit badges. “We began organizing this event back in November. It takes a lot of time and dedication from our volunteers to put it all together,” Poirier said. The most popular badge Scouts signed up to take was Family Life which is required for Eagle.

Kennebec Valley District Commissioner Christopher Santiago of Vassalboro was impressed with the results. “This is fantastic,” he said. “Merit Badges can introduce youth to a career interest or a hobby that will stay with them for life. There are 139 Merit Badges available ranging from Emergency Preparedness and First Aid to Environmental Science and Nature to Reading and Sustainability. I would love to see every Scout try to earn them all.”

EVENTS: Vassalboro scouts to be honored on Scout Sunday

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The Vassalboro Boy Scouts of America Scouting Troop #410 and Pack# 410 will be honored at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Scouts Sunday, February 2. Front row, from left to right, Declan McLaughlin, Lila Reynolds, Boone McLaughlin, Metcalf, and Beckett Metcalf. Back, Cubmaster Chris Reynolds, Lux Reynolds, Cole Stufflebeam, William Vincent, Christopher Santiago, Hunter Brown, and Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

Members of the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) will honor the Vassalboro BSA Scouting Troop #410 and Pack #410 and their Scoutmasters at 10 a.m., on Scouts Sunday, February 2. “We want to commend our Vassalboro Scouts for their outstanding community service and good deeds,” said VUMC’s Pastor Karen Merrill. “We hope that former Scouts and leaders will also plan to attend.” A reception will follow in the VUMC fellowship hall. Family members are also invited and encouraged to attend.

The event will take place at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, at 614 Main Street, from 10 a.m. to noon. FMI email Pastor Merrill info.VUMC@gmail.com or Chris Santiago vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com.