Tag Archive for: Scouts

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.

Camp Pondicherry and Camp Natarswi open registration for summer 2025 campers

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Ready for limitless fun, friends, and new experiences? Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) is excited to announce the official opening of online registration for Summer 2025 overnight camp sessions, which began Wednesday, January 15. Prospective campers of all ages can register by visiting the camp page on our website ­– no Girl Scout experience necessary!

The upcoming season ushers in a wave of first-time and returnee campers ready to explore outdoor programs and new hands-on activities this summer. Beginning sessions in July, a wide variety of single and multi-week camp opportunities are offered at both Camp Pondicherry in Bridgton, and Camp Natarswi in Baxter State Park. Each camp provides unique, unforgettable experiences amongst some of Maine’s most scenic natural settings.

Nestled on over 600 acres in the foothills of the White Mountains, Camp Pondicherry has a private waterfront on Adams Pond and miles of untouched woodlands, fields, hills, and trails to explore. In addition to classic GSME summer camp offerings such as archery, hatchet-throwing, swimming, arts and crafts, kayaking, hiking, and fire safety, other Pondicherry-specific activities include horseback riding, theater, and more!

All of camp programs are designed to build lifelong skills and foster independence. The two-week Ultimate Camp Experience gives girls an opportunity to enjoy both of GSME summer camps.

Check out the 2025 GSME Summer Camp Guide for more information on pricing, specific camp sessions, themed weeks, programs, activities, and important dates. Whether you’re interested in classic camp adventures or specialized programs, there’s something for every camper with GSME.

Eric Handley elected district scouting chairman

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Eric Handley with his Eagle Scout sons Devon, left, and Jared. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The Kennebec Valley District of Scouting has elected Eric Handley, of Sidney, to serve as District Scouting Chairman and Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro, was tapped to serve as District Scouting Commissioner. This took place during the annual meeting of the district on Wednesday, January 8, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville.

The Kennebec Valley District delivers the programs of Scouting to communities and youth in Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Somerset and Franklin counties. The district is one of four in Pine Tree Council which covers the southern and western half of Maine. At the end of 2024, Kennebec Valley District had 22 Scout Troops and 12 Cub Scout Packs made up of 194 Scouts and 232 Cub Scouts. Twelve youth in Kennebec Valley earned Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle Scout award, in 2024 and 564 Merit Badges were earned by the Scouts.

“I’m happy to serve Kennebec Valley Scouting,” Handley said. “My approach will always be to place the Scouts first.” Handley, in his role as District chairman, will preside at district committee meetings and represent the district on the council executive board. He will oversee all subcommittees that help deliver and grow Scouting including membership, program (events/ training/ advancement/ camping), and fund development functions (including popcorn sales and Friends of Scouting). Handley, who is the Point of Sale IT manager for Aubuchon Company, had been serving as the District Commissioner prior to the annual meeting.

He began his Scouting career in 1972 when he joined Cub Scouts, in Gorham, New Hampshire, and followed that as a Scout, in Windsor, Vermont Troop #218. “My son Jared asked to join Cub Scouts as a Tiger the Spring of 2006. I became the Cub Master of Pack #401 in Spring of 2007, in Sidney, and stayed with the Pack until May 2018 when I became Scoutmaster of Troop #401,” Handley said. Handley has also served as a Unit Commissioner, on the Advancement Committee, Roundtable Commissioner, Camp Bomazeen Staff, and on the Kennebec Valley District Band. Handley said that his goals are to increase the visibility of Scouting in the local community and to increase membership by providing excellent programs to the youth in the district.

Santiago, who is the Director of Safety and Security, at Thomas College, in Waterville, said, ” I am truly honored and blessed to be nominated by my peers to this position of leadership within Scouting America. I will continue to develop scouts and their leadership skills, with a focus on living the Scout Oath and Scout Law; and I will work diligently to provide leadership and mentorship to my peers so that they may do the same.” He has been involved in Scouting since his son joined Cub Scouts, in Vassalboro Pack #410, serving as Den Leader and then Cubmaster. This was followed by Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #410 when his son crossed over to the Scouts. He is still serving as Scoutmaster of Troop #410. At the same time, he has also served on and is still currently serving Scouting on the District Committee, as the District Duty to God Coordinator, as a Unit Commissioner and as the District Training co-chairman. The district commissioner leads the commissioner staff of the district, guiding and measuring the district’s unit service program. The Roundtable Commissioner also is part of the District Commissioner’s team. Santiago said his goals as District Commissioner are to provide quality support to Scouters, while ensuring that all units (Packs and Troops) within the district are delivering an excellent scouting program and experience.

The District Committee also selected Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, to serve as District Vice Chairman of Finance and Joseph Poulin, of Oakland, to serve as District vice chairman of Program. The position of District Vice Chair for Membership is currently vacant.

These elections took effect immediately following the close of the annual meeting.

From left to right, Jamie Santiago, Life Scout Arianna Allen, Tenderfoot Scout Christopher Santiago, Eagle Scout Eric Allen, and Christopher Santiago. The Allens are niece and nephew of Jamie and Christopher Santiago. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Scouts go paddling down the river

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Foreground selfie photographer is Amanda Duchette. Left to eight, Jeff Morton, Marlene Lajoie, Tristan Morton, Brian Franklin, Ian Martin, Zach Corson, Anthony Fortin, Jon Martin, Trenton Franklin, Nancy Corson, and Winston Duchette. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouts from Augusta Troop #603 spent time boating and hiking this autumn with two big adventures. On September 14, a large group of Scouts and parents and leaders boarded kayaks and canoes to paddle along the Kennebec River, from Waterville to Augusta. Nancy Corson, of Windsor, said, “This was a great experience for me and Zachary. We had a great time and it was tons of fun.” Scouts floated from the Waterville boat landing to Arsenal Street, in Augusta, making a trip of more than 16 miles. It was a full day on the water as they left at 9 a.m., arriving in Augusta at 3 p.m. Along the way they saw plenty of nature including a Great Blue Heron.

The next trek, which took place over the weekend of October 11-13, was at Acadia National Park, where three Scouts and two leaders camped out and then hiked the popular Cadillac Mountain – the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Cadillac Summit Trail brought them to 1,530 feet above sea level during their five-mile hike. “We focus on encouraging the Scouts to have fun,” said leader Michael Fortin. “The advancement falls into place on its own with each activity we do. We want them to gain experience and challenge themselves.”

Troop #603 leader Jon Martin agreed, “I think they really enjoyed testing their abilities and independence.” A larger group of Scouts joined the troop on the Acadia trip in August.

Troop #603, which is open to both boy and girls aged 11-18, meets at the American Legion, on Eastern Avenue, in Augusta, each Thursday evening, at 6:30 p.m.

Zach Corson, of Windsor, coasting in his kayak.