Tag Archive for: Scouts

Three scouters honored for decades of service to scouting

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Scott Bernier, of Augusta, was cited for lending a hand for 45 years. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Three scouters were recognized for decades of service helping youth develop in the scouting programs. Scouting only happens due to the continued service of these volunteers. Scott Bernier, of Augusta, was honored for 45 years of scouting tenure, Alan Duplessis for 35 years and Karla Talpey for 30 years. Both Duplessis and Talpey are from Jackman. All three were recognized during the Kennebec Valley District Scouting Recognition Dinner held ,on March 24, at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Hall.

The Veteran Award recognizes adults for their tenure in Scouting. (Note, however, that tenure earned as a youth member may be included.) Veterans agree to live up to their scouting obligations, make themselves available for service and be active in promoting scouting as circumstances permit. They must also be currently registered in the BSA. Veterans receive a a certificate and veteran pin, which is for non-uniform wear.

Scouts receive Papa Bear award

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From left to right, Karla Talpey and Alan Duplessis, of Jackman, Sherwood Hilt, of Union, and John Wood, of Hope, receiving the Ray “Papa Bear” Kimball Award of Service. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Congratulations to John Wood, Alan Duplessis, Sherwood Hilt, and Karla Talpey on receiving the Ray “Papa Bear” Kimball Award of Service at the Kennebec Valley District Annual Scouting Recognition Dinner, held on Sunday, March 24, at the Winslow Parks & Recreation Department Hall. Talpey and Duplessis are both active in Jackman Troop #497 and are members of the Kennebec Valley District committee.

Hilt, of Union, and Wood, of Hope, have been active as district members of both Kennebec Valley District and the former Downeast Districts of Scouting. Wood currently provides Commissioner Service to more scouting units than any other volunteer in the district.

The award is the highest award that an adult leader, committee member or adult volunteer can be nominated for within a unit. The award consideration should be given based on outstanding service to youth within a unit above and beyond that of what is required of an adult. Also his or her ability to exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. The award is given to those who work in support of Scouting without seeking anything for themselves.

Ray “Papa Bear” Kimball was a long time Scoutmaster of Troop #443, in Winslow. He was also highly involved in Kennebec Valley District of Scouting as a district volunteer and a Unit Commissioner. He also spent all of his summers performing the duty of Camp Commissioner for Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade. Ray also had several sons who were Boy Scouts. Ray was an active member of his community and church. Ray always went above and beyond the call of duty wherever it was. Ray stayed active until he became ill and had to retire from scouting. Raymond Kimball died on November 25, 2007.

Area scout leaders recognized for efforts in reorganizations

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From left to right, Sabrina Garfield, Christopher Santiago, and Jamie Santiago receive their James D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Awards at the Kennebec Valley District Scouting Recognition Dinner, held on March 24, at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Hall. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

William D. Boyce signed the papers to make the Boy Scouts of America official at exactly 11:03 a.m., on February 8, 1910. On March 24, volunteers from across the area gathered at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Hall to honor three Scouting leaders who helped get two new Scouting programs off the ground to benefit their respective communities. Sabrina Garfield, of Winslow, and Christopher and Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, were recognized for restarting Cub Scout Packs #445 and #410, respectively, in 2022 and keeping them active and vibrant. The award they received was named for Chicago publisher William D. Boyce.

William D. Boyce was in London in 1909 when he got lost in the fog. Out of the fog stepped a “little lad of 12” who offered to help him find his way. Boyce tried to give the youngster a tip, but the boy refused, saying he was just doing his Good Turn as a Scout. Boyce was intrigued by the Scout Movement, which had begun in 1907 in England. He returned home from England with pamphlets, badges and a uniform. Six months later, on February 8, 1910, Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.

The William D. Boyce award is presented to those who help start a new or restart a defunct Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop, Venture Crew or Sea Scout Ship. In essence, the recipient must lead the entire process of organizing a new unit. The process begins when a prospective chartered organization is assigned and ends when the new unit renews its charter for the first time and receives Journey to Excellence recognition at the Bronze level or above.

“I am so thankful to my Scouting village,” Sabrina Garfield said. “I am grateful for this experience with my kids, not just because of what it teaches them but because it’s so much more than just that. It’s a family affair. Cub Scouting gives the kids a chance to teach things to others and to learn from others. It’s taught them about leadership and teamwork and how to compromise. It’s taught me too. And I have met some pretty amazing people through this journey.”

Christopher Santiago said, “Scouting is a true labor of love for me and as much as I do, I wouldn’t be able to do it without the supportive and engaged parents in my two units representing the Town of Vassalboro and Vassalboro BSA Scouting Troop #410 and Pack #410, as well as the amazing Scouters whom I have come to know as mentors and colleagues. These awards are because of all of them!”

Scouts mark 114th year with Sunday services

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Scouts with Father March, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, in Augusta. Front row, Tristan Morton, Augusta Troop #603, Brent Trundy, of Augusta Cub Scout Pack #684. Back, Anthony Fortin, Troop #603, Trenton Franklin Troop #603, Fr. Nathan March (Eagle Scout). (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

February marks the 114th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and it is also when most Cub Scout Packs and Scout Troops hold Scout Sunday services in their communities. The Twelfth Point in the Scout Law is that “A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.” To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the religious emblems programs and also welcomed Scouts in to their houses of worship for the annual Scout Sunday service.

Scout Sunday can be held anytime during the year when it is convenient to the church, but many gather for Scout Sunday in February. During these services, Scouts take an active part in the program. At St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, in Augusta, part of the St. Michael’s Parish, Scouts on February 4 participated in the liturgy, served as ushers, greeted parishioners, and managed the offertory. Anthony Fortin, of Augusta, is a Scout in Troop #603, “Scout Sunday is important to me because I get to bring my religious life and my Scouting life together and enjoy a day as being both a Catholic and a Boy Scout which are two major aspects of my life.” Trenton Franklin is also a Scout in Troop #603 and took part in the Scout Sunday program even though he is not a Catholic. He found it to be a great way for him to show reverence while exploring and learning about other faiths.

“For 90 years, the Gardiner area Scouts have called Christ Church their home,” the church posted on their Facebook page on February 4. “Today we thanked them for being a part of our community and shared a blessing with them in recognition of their acts of service. Just look at these sweet faces that are growing into the giving hearts of tomorrow. Brittany St. Amand, one of the leaders of Cub Pack #672, said of the church community, “They’re always so kind and welcoming to our Scouts.”

The Moose River Congregational Church held their Scout Sunday on February 11, and Scouts and leaders from Troop #497 served as greeters, presented the offering and gave the readings. Troop #497 Scoutmaster Karla Talpey said, “A Scout is Reverent. It is a part of who we are, being Boy Scout, or a leader. Taking the time to be thankful to God for all that we have and are given is an integral part of the ways of life of a Boy Scout.”

Winston Duchette of Troop #604, in Winthrop, took part in Scout Sunday Mass held at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church where he attends Faith Formation classes. He is also the troop’s chaplain aide and in that role led the opening prayer during the Eagle Scout ceremony held to honor two of his fellow Scouts recently.

Vassalboro select board honors scouting

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Front row, from left to right, Tiger Scout Greyson Malloy, Wolf Scout John Gray, and Webelos Scout Henry Gray. Back, Webelos Scout Anthony Malloy, Arrow of Light Scout William Vincent, Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago, and Selectmen Rick Denico. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

On the 114th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the Vassalboro Board of Selectmen read a proclamation by Town Manager Aaron Miller recognizing the anniversary of Scouting on February 8 and also recognizing the service to the community performed by Scouts in both Cub Scout Pack #410 and Scout Troop #410.

“Whereas, the Scouts of Vassalboro have given service to the community through their participation in such worthy programs as the annual Scouting for Food Drive, Spring and Fall “Scouting for Food” Food Drives for Vassalboro Food Pantry, marched in Memorial and Veterans Day parades, participated with Vassalboro American Legion Post #126 for Flag Day Retirement Ceremony, volunteered to staff Blacksmith Shop for Vassalboro Historical Society, participated in Vassalboro Days and Duck Race, participated in Honor Flight Maine Welcome Home Ceremony at the Portland Jetport, completed Eagle Scout Project consisting of a Story Book on Hiking Path, volunteered at the Vassalboro Community School PTO Pancake with Santa, volunteered at Vassalboro Tree Lighting at the Mill and participated in the Wreaths Across America at the State of Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, on Civic Center Drive,” read part of the proclamation.

“Based on Robert Baden-Powell’s international scouting movement, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was a remarkable institution that expanded rapidly following its introduction into America in 1910,” according to the Library of Congress. “Primary goals of the American movement were to help boys develop the skills, the knowledge, and the “character” required to better serve themselves and their country.” Since then, Scouting has expanded to include girls as members at both the Cub Pack and Scout Troop levels.

Selectman Rick Denico has a scouting background. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop #410, Kennebec Valley District chairman and member of the Pine Tree Council Executive Board. He encouraged the youth to get involved in their community and lend a hand as Scouting teaches.

Winslow Cub Scouts learn about constellations

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Caitlin Walker, Program Director with the Children’s Discovery Museum, engages the Cubs in the wonders of the universe. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Ricky Pullen and Lorelei Pullen of Winslow try their hand at making constellations of their own. Using plastic wrap on toilet paper roll secured with an elastic band, Lorelei used a marker to place dots for stars on the wrap. Then they held a light to show on the wall with the design of her homemade constellation. She made a house. Other constellations made by Pack #445 Cubs included a Dragon, Viking, and the Wolf . Lorelei is a Lion Cub with Pack #445. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

On Tuesday, January 23, Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445 held its meeting at the Waterville Children’s Discovery Museum. They learned about constellations, which ones we could see in the night sky above Waterville and Winslow and the stories behind them.

The 14 Cubs taking part in the program explored the planetarium dome and made constellations of their own. Cubmaster Sabrina Garfield said ,”The Children’s Discovery Museum put on a wonderful display and the kids and parents really enjoyed themselves. Learning about constellations engages interest in so much – like using stars for navigation or landmarks, it opens up curiosity about the wonders of the universe and the idea of exploration of space. This lesson has also taught our Cubs that most of the astronauts that walked on the moon were once Scouts.”

Those youth and adults from Winslow and surrounding towns looking to join the Pack on future adventures- global or galactic- contact the pack at winslow.cubscouts445@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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Scouts hold Klondike weekend at Camp Bomazeen

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Willow Mudie is a Scout in Augusta Troop #603. This was her second Klondike Derby. “It was pretty chilly,” she said. “I wore sweat pants, ski pants, scarf, hat, two layers of sweatshirts, three layers of gloves and a big, comfy coat.”

by Chuck Mahaleris

Gerard Fortin, of Winslow, was as jolly as St. Nick dressed in his Santa hat and sweatshirt. He is a member of Troop #433. “It’s fun” he said, while his team was stopped outside McCurdy Lodge.

Despite the 14 degree temperature, Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade, played host on Saturday, January 20, to an outdoor competition between Brown Bears, Northern Pike, Falcons, Arctic Sharks, a Wolf Pack, Antarctic Polar Sturgeon, and Spicy Meatballs. Those were the names of some of the Patrols of Scouts assembled to vie for the top spot in the annual Klondike Derby. The theme this year was the Polar Express and like in the movie, Scouts received a bell at each station with the word “Believe” engraved on it.

Julie McKenne,y of Belgrade, activities director for Kennebec Valley District, chaired the team of volunteers who organized the event attracting Scouts from 12 troops from Farmington to Damariscotta, and from Skowhegan to Bath. The Scouts competed as a patrol in stations that stressed teamwork to overcome challenges of such traditional Scout skills as fire building, outdoor cooking, winter safety, first aid and leadership training.

Millard Davis, of Clinton, is an assistant scoutmaster of Winslow Troop #433, and ran one of the stations. At his area, Scouts had to work together to get their entire sled over a large mound of snow and then return. “They had to work together to figure out what was the best way and the safest way to get their sled up and over the steep incline,” Davis said. “The ones who worked together completed the task quicker than those who spent more time arguing. We want them to practice teamwork.”

Asher Merrill, from Richmond, is a member of Troop #621, in Bath, and was having fun pushing the dog sled around camp as his patrol made their way from one activity station to the next. “It is fun,” he said from under his protective layers of clothing. Though only a Tenderfoot Scout, this was Asher’s second Klondike Derby and he knew that having fun began by dressing for the weather.

Willow Mudie is a Scout in Augusta Troop #603. This was her second Klondike Derby. “It was pretty chilly,” she said. “I wore sweat pants, ski pants, scarf, hat, two layers of sweatshirts, three layers of gloves and a big, comfy coat.”

Safety was a major concern for Scout leaders as well. Each station had a fire pit where Scouts could get warm and extra hats and gloves were available in case any Scout found themselves with wet, cold hands. “We also had McCurdy lodge where Scouts could go to get warm,” McKenney said. “Or they could get cocoa or soup there as well. We want everyone to have a great time at camp and that means staying warm.”

Photos by Chuck Mahaleris

Winston Duchette lives in Winthrop and is a member of Troop #603, in Augusta. He was a “Victim” half buried in snow waiting to be rescued during the Klondike Derby.

Dawson White achieves Eagle Scout rank

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Darrin and Sarah White, proud parents, stand on either side of their Eagle Scout, son Dawson, following the presentation of the Eagle Scout rank to him during a ceremony at the Augusta Lodge of Elks on January 6. (Photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Dawson James White, 18, of Sidney, was presented with Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle Scout, during a ceremony at the Augusta Elks, on January 6, 2024, which capped off an eleven-year Scouting career. “I learned so much in Scouting,” White said. “I learned survival skills, people skills and how to be a decent person in Scouting.”

“This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection,” said former Troop #401 Scoutmaster Ryan Poulin, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

“The Eagle Scout rank is the highest recognition Scouting offers a Scout. It is earned through the advancement program, and only a small percentage of youth who begin in Scouting are recognized with this honor. In full awareness of the challenge of these times, the parents and leaders of this Eagle Scout have labored long and faithfully to develop him to be alert and to participate in citizenship through the Scouting program. His efforts culminate today in the presentation of the Eagle Scout Badge. The success of these efforts will become evident in the way this Eagle Scout will set his social pattern for all the lives he may touch. Democracy is a fresh conquest for each generation.”

Dawson, who lives in Sidney, is now a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #401 and will become an Assistant Scoutmaster after he turns 21. He graduated from the Maine Virtual Academy and is working full time at Rainbow Valley Dairy Farm. He said he had many great experiences in Scouting.

He enjoyed the Troop’s trip to Gettysburg, camping at Camp Bomazeen, the West Point Camporee, and overnights aboard the USS Massachusetts (BB-59) in Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts. “I built a bunker gear dryer for the Sidney fire department’s turnout gear so it will take a day instead of a week to dry and built shelving for above their new extractor which is an industrial washing machine. They also had a six inch ledge that had no safety marker on it so we did that,” Dawson said of his Eagle Scout project that benefited the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department. Overall, 80 hours of volunteer work were spent on the project. “I know several people who are firemen and was really happy to help out.”

Troop #401 Committee Chairman Andy Steinberger said, “To a Scout, bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand up for what is right. While trusting in God with faith in his fellow citizens, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world’s work.”

The Eagle Scout medal was pinned to his uniform by his mother and Dawson in turn presented pins to his parents Darin and Sarah White.

Sarah White pins the Eagle Scout rank onto the uniform of her son Dawson. He started the Scouting path 11 years earlier as a Tiger Cub and has reached the highest level of Scouting. (Photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Windsor Cub Scouts Pack holds holiday party

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Cubmaster Shawn MacFarland passes out pinewood derby car kits to the Cubs. Over the next few weeks, the Cubs and their parent or grandparent will carve and cut these blocks of wood into sleek racers.

by Chuck Mahaleris

Corbin Burdeck is a Webelos in Pack #609 and lives in Whitefield. “I love everything about Cub Scouts!”

Cub Pack #609 held their holiday party on January 4, at Windsor Elementary School. The event was delayed due to the “Grinch” storm that left many in the area without power for days. Families brought food to share and Cubs learned a new song. The highlight of the evening came when each Scout received a new pinewood derby car kit.

“We have a busy January and February,” said Cubmaster Shawn McFarland. “We have the Klondike Derby at Camp Bomazeen later this month, perhaps the China Ice Fishing Derby next month and then the Pinewood Derby after that.” The pinewood derby is the wood car racing event of Scouting.

Julia Hartwell, of Windsor is, in fourth grade at Windsor Elementary. She has been in Cub Scouts for a year and is one of the six original members of Pack #609 after it restarted this past autumn. She enjoys hiking and is looking forward to the Pinewood Derby.

With the help of adults, Scouts build their own unpowered, unmanned miniature cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles. The Scouts use their imagination to come up with the design for their wooden car which ranges from Formula 1 racers to tanks to tractors to spaceships and even cartoon characters. Those cars are raced down the pack’s Pinewood Derby track and the fastest go on to race at the district level. “It is a lot of fun,” McFarland said. “One of the best parts is it is a great project for a kid to do with their parent or grandparent.”

Pack #609 had ceased operation before Covid-19 and only began this past autumn. “We started back up after the Windsor Fair,” McFarland said. Six youth and parents from Augusta Pack #684 who lived in Windsor were the nucleus but since then the pack has grown to 19 kids drawing from Jefferson and Whitefield. “I am glad to see it taking off. Scouting has a great opportunity to build character in these kids and it is a lot of fun,” McFarland said.

All photos by Chuck Mahaleris

Ivan Peaslee is a Lion Cub Scout and is in kindergarten, in Jefferson.

Pack 609

Scout leader recognized for quick action with choking boy

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Ryan Avery, right, accepts the Medal of Merit from Chuck Mahaleris, chairman of the Kennebec Valley District. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Cub Scout Pack #672 and Scout Troop #672 gathered at Spare Time Recreation, in Hallowell, to end the Scouting year with a night of family bowling. However, the biggest part of the evening was not all of the pins that fell but rather the awarding of the Medal of Merit to Troop #672 leader Ryan Avery who saved a boy from choking earlier this year.

Avery, who lives in West Gardiner and teaches science at Gardiner Regional Middle School, was working the lunch detail this past September when he noticed a student who was choking. A witness, who did not wish to be identified, observed Avery talk to the young man and ask if he was choking. The boy nodded and Ryan immediately began the Heimlich Maneuver. In short order, the bottle cap from his water bottle was removed from the youth’s mouth and he was able to breathe fully. The witness then described that Ryan ensured the young man was ok and quietly cleaned up the area and went about his duties.

Earlier this month, Avery had completed 16 weeks of EMT classes and now Ryan has even more training under his belt should the need arise in the future.