Tag Archive for: Scouts

Devyn Deleonardis earns scouting’s Eagle rank

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Amanda Deleonardis pinning the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The First Congregational Church of North Anson was alive with activity on Saturday, December 16, as family, friends, and fellow Scouts joined to witness the pinning of Scouting’s highest rank on Devyn Deleonardis.

Devyn is the son of Frederick and Amanda Deleonardis and lives in North Anson where he attends Carrabec High School.

He will be turning 18 in January and his time as a youth member of Scouting will come to a close. It is fitting that he received the Eagle Scout award before becoming an adult leader with Troop #481. Devyn is no stranger to leadership. As part of his Eagle Scout project, he led others in building and distributing little lending libraries to five area communities. In Scout Troop #481, Devyn has served as Senior Patrol Leader and Chaplain Aide. “Some ways that I have demonstrated leadership skills other than my Eagle project, Community Libraries, are when I taught the clove hitch knot to guests at the Community Literacy event; helped Solon Elementary School’s field day event by teaching the students a game and led them through it as they played; and when I wrote and gave a speech for the position of Student Council member.”

Devyn chose to have his Eagle Scout ceremony at his church because of his strong personal faith. “I believe that my life purpose,” he explained in his Life Ambition Statement that was presented along with his Eagle Scout application, “is to spread the news of Jesus, to follow him, and to help others any way that I can.” During the ceremony, Devyn presented Mentor Pins to two of his Scout leaders, his parents and to Pastor Dave Walz. Pastor Walz praised Scouting during the ceremony saying, “Bless the Scouts and bless all who seek to serve and be servants to others.”

Devyn received congratulatory notes from the members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation, State Representative Larry Dunphy and the Boy Scouts of America. Alfred McKay, Commander of the American Legion Department of Maine, presented Devyn with an actual Eagle feather. The Legion had to receive official permission from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to present the feather as the Eagle is a protected species. In fact, both bald eagles and golden eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Devyn plans to attend the University of Maine Farmington next Fall and study to become a teacher.

Vassalboro scouts present stockings to veterans at Togus hospital

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Front row, from left to right, Webelos Scout Henry Gray and Wolf Scout John Gray. Second row, Arrow of Light Scouts Christopher Santiago and William Vincent. Back, James Kilbride, Adjutant for Post #126 and Christopher Santiago, Cubmaster Pack #410. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

On Monday November 27, 2023, Pack #410, represented by Arrow of Light Scouts William Vincent and Christopher Santiago, as well as Webelos scout Henry Gray and Wolf Scout John Gray, delivered 240 pens and 240 notebooks to the Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126, during their scheduled business meeting at St. Bridget Center, in North Vassalboro. The donation is for the Christmas Stockings made by Sew for a Cause that will be stuffed with essentials for the veterans spending the holiday at the Veterans Administration Hospital, at Togus.

Scouts cited for commitment with religious emblems

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From left to right, Eagle Scout Rev. Nathan March received the St. George Award, Christopher Santiago received the Bronze Pelican, his son Christopher Santiago received the Parvuli Dei medal, Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, who is active in the Scouting program, and Eagle Scout Jeffrey Lewis, who serves as the Deacon for St. Michael Parish. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Three religious emblems were presented by the Portland Diocese’s Catholic Committee on Scouting during the Sunday Mass, November 26, at St. Augustine Church, in Augusta, including the St. George Award which was presented to Father Nathan March who is an Eagle Scout as well as being Pastor of St. Michael Parish.

Nationally, there are 97,651 Scouts who follow the Roman Catholic faith and 39,535 Catholics who serve as Scouting leaders. Scott Valcourt, of Gray, is the chairman of the Catholic Committee on Scouting, attended the 10:30 a.m. Mass where the awards were presented, and from the lectern said, “This is the first time that I am aware of where a father and son were both receiving awards on the same day.”

Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro, is a member of Cub Scout Pack #410 and is also an altar server for St. Michael Parish. He wore his Scout uniform while serving at Mass on Sunday and received his Parvuli Dei Religious Emblem. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Christopher Santiago is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is a leader in Vassalboro Pack and Troop #410, serves on the Kennebec Valley District Scouting Committee and is a member of the Duty to God Committee. He received the Bronze Pelican Award. His son, also Christopher, completed all requirements for the Parvuli Dei medal. The purpose of the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblem program is to help Cub Scouts explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes, and also to develop a good, positive self-image through the contributions they can make to their family, pack and community.

Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro, is a leader of Cub Scout Pack #410, Troop #410, and the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting. He is also a lector for St. Michael’s parish and wore his Scout uniform in honor of his son receiving his religious emblem. He was surprised when he was presented with the Bronze Pelican for his efforts to remind Scouts of their “Duty to God” and the last point of the Scout Law- “A Scout is Reverent.” (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

The Bronze Pelican Emblem is a Diocesan recognition presented to any adult who has made a significant contribution to Scouting in the field of Catholic relationships by encouraging the spiritual development of youth members. “Today our little family was blessed to be surrounded by family, friends, Brother Knights of Columbus, and fellow Scouters as Christopher was awarded his Parvuli Dei Award,” his father said, “and it was a surprise for me when they presented me with the Bronze Pelican.”

The St. George Emblem is presented to members of the laity and clergy, Scouters and non-Scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting. “St. George is the patron Saint of Scouting,” Valcourt said and highlighted the Scouting history of Father Nathan March who was a youth Scout, worked at Camp Hinds, and earned his Eagle Scout rank. “He has presided over many religious services at Scout functions and has worked with many Scouts to assist them to earn their religious emblems.”

Father March said he was taken by surprise and thought the award was going to be presented to Deacon Jeffrey Lewis who is also an Eagle Scout. “As Scott was reading all of the accomplishments of the recipient, I was thinking, ‘Wow, I have a lot in common with Deacon Jeff.'”

Father March praised the Scouting program and reminded the congregation of the words of Robert Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting, “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it, and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate, you have not wasted your time but have done your best.”

 

 

 

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Albion scout earns Eagle rank

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Choate Information Kiosk for China Four Season Club (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Nicholas Choate and Scoutmaster Hunter (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Nicholas Donald Choate, of Albion and China, member of China Troop #479, accomplished something less than four percent of all Scouts achieve. On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Nick received the Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony at the China Masonic Lodge and also the Bronze Palm for earning five additional merit badges beyond those required. The ceremony focused on how Eagle Scouts are encouraged to live with honor so as to reflect the very best of Scouting in their interactions with others.

Julie Bradstreet, Nick’s mom, pinned the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform marking his attainment of the high honor. Afterwards she said, “Nicholas joined Scouts as a Tiger Cub in first grade. Today we celebrated him at his Eagle Court of Honor. To say we are proud of his accomplishments is a huge understatement. Thank you so much to everyone that helped and attended.” Parents and step-parents, Rick and Stephanie Bryant, of China, and Rick and Julie Bradstreet, of Albion, were instrumental in his success.

Lee Pettengill, who is a leader in Troop #479 and a member of the Masonic Lodge, served as Master of Ceremonies. “The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.”

Kaiden Sawyer Kelley, who received his Eagle badge in June 2022, took part in the ceremony and said, “The first responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. Honor is the foundation of character: it is what a person really is, down inside, not what someone may think they are.” He encouraged Nick to always live with honor and later added, ” The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The motto of “Do a Good Turn Daily” must take on a new meaning. They uphold the rights of others while defending their own. Their code of honor is based upon the belief that leadership is founded upon real service.”

For his Eagle Scout service project, Nick led others last December in building and installing three new information kiosks around China for the China Four Seasons Club.

Troop #479 presented Nick with a copy of the book Running Toward Danger, by Michael Malone, and a check for $100 for remaining active in the Troop through his 18th birthday. Nick graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in the spring and is working in construction for Kirk Sherman Builders, in Palermo. He completed all requirements prior to turning 18 last March but remained active as a leader of the other Scouts.

Choate Troop 479 (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Local scout leaders attend training session

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Front row, from left to right, Chris Santiago, of Vassalboro, Ginger Fails, of New Sharon, Sara Anderson, of Pack #585, in Farmington, and Walter Fails, of New Sharon. Back, Shane Maroon, of Winslow, Nate Gray, of Vassalboro, Shaun Edwards, of Pack #585, Chris Reynolds, of Vassalboro, and Kevin McLaughlin, of Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

On Sunday, November 19, Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410 hosted adult Scout leader training at Thomas College, in Waterville, for leaders from the local pack and from Farmington’s Pack #585.

The instructors were Walter and Ginger Fails, of New Sharon, and Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro. Walter Fails is the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting Training chairman.

“The training went really well,” Walter Fails said. “We had a good group of new leaders who listened, and participated. They asked many great questions and were really engaged. I think the BSA axiom, “every Scout deserves a trained leader,” is spot on in many respects. When a leader is well trained and believes in the Scouting program, they are more confident, prepared, and provide a more quality program for their Scouts. Most importantly, I think in-person training lets leaders know they are supported, by giving them valuable connections to peers and instructors they can rely on for advice and direction.” The training was the Cub Scout Leader Specific Training.

Local scouts conduct drive to benefit area food pantries

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Scouts food drive Troop 631 (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Text and photos by Chuck Mahaleris

Callum Dorias, of Madison, is a member of Pack #428, in Pittsfield, and took part in the Scouting for Food Drive on November 11. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Lord Robert Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting worldwide, said, “The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.” Scouting isn’t just about earning badges and recognitions. Scouting strives to prepare youth to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the values of Scout Oath and Law. Scout Leaders throughout Kennebec Valley District, try to foster in our Cubs and Scouts an attitude of service especially for those in their community who are struggling. That’s where the annual Scouting for Food Drive comes in.

According to Kennebec Valley District Scouting for Food chairman Shelley Connolly, of Pittsfield, the national food drive began in 1985. Connolly said, “On average, 1 in 4 children in Maine is at risk for hunger daily, and 37 percent of them do not qualify for public assistance. They are even more vulnerable when school is not in session (summers, vacation weeks and weekends). All Scouting Units (Packs, Troops and Crews) are charged with conducting at least one Scouting for Food collection annually.” She stressed this can be done either in the Fall or the Spring depending on when the greatest need exists in their particular community.

“It’s our National Good Turn for America. Fall and Spring collections are recommended.” Scout leaders, working with their local food bank or pantry, pick a date to conduct their food drive. Some choose to go door to door collecting food while in other towns the Scouts fill a tent or a canoe outside a grocery store. Any funds donated to the Scouts at these collection efforts is used to buy additional food for the needy. “Our Scout Oath calls on our young people to “help other people at all times,” and Scouting for Food demonstrates to the nation how our movement can make a difference in their communities,” Connolly said.

Scouts in Vassalboro held their “Scouting for Food” drive on November 19 and collected 142 pounds of food that was delivered to the Vassalboro Food Station Pantry.

“On behalf of all of the families in Troop #497, we would like to thank the Jackman community for your overwhelming support of our annual Scouting for Food Drive,” Scoutmaster Karla Talpey said after the Scouts from the Moose River Valley held their food drive on Saturday, November 18. “We continue to be amazed at the generosity of everyone. We delivered boxes- each filled with a Turkey (or ham), potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sugar, flour, butter, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter and jelly, juice, cereal, turnip, carrots, and yes, even a roll of paper towels- to 12 families. A special Thank you to Mountain Country Market for always allowing us to set up in their parking lot for the day. We would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.” The troop also received $709 in donations which bought additional food for the needy. “We have been doing this for more than 30 years. The community is so generous.”

Connolly is also the leader for Cubs and Scouts in the Pittsfield area. “Troop and Pack #428 held its annual Scouting for Food event at Danforth’s Downhome Supermarket, in Pittsfield, on November 11,” she said. “Scouts accepted food items from the very generous customers in the community. Additionally, the Scouts set up a Veterans Day display and gave veterans a small gift as they came through. Some customers gave the Scouts a monetary donation for the event. The older Scouts would then take a Cub Scout shopping. It’s always interesting to see what elementary school aged children think would be good in a pantry. They also were able to practice thrifty shopping skills to yield the most amount of items for the amount they had to spend. In the end the Scouts collected just over 900 pounds of food. This food was distributed to three area pantries: Hartland’s Food Cupboard, Somerset Elementary Food Pantry and Warsaw School’s Food Pantry.”

Augusta Troop #631 Scouts and leaders helped pack Thanksgiving food bags on November 19 with the American Legion Post #2. These bags are going to veterans and to the community.

Pack #410 Vassalboro Wolf Scout Declan McLaughlin and Lion Scout Boone McLaughlin, at the Vassalboro Food Station Pantry, show off the 142 items of food collected by local Scouts. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Local scouts hold Lego derby

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Tony and Simon Giroux, of Winslow, show off Simon’s “Double Play” Lego Pinewood Derby Car. (photos by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Seventy-five youths, mostly Cub Scouts, from Hartland to Buxton rolled into Camp Bomazeen, on November 4, for the annual Lego Pinewood Derby.

“We love to see Camp Bomazeen so filled with Scouts,” event chairman Julie McKenney, of Belgrade, said. “It was a sunny day so the Scouts put their cars together outside with their parent’s help and then everyone came inside the dining hall where the track was set up for the races. Counting Cubs and Scouts, parents, leaders, and siblings, there were close to 200 people in the place cheering on the Lego racers. It was very exciting. Love to see all the new folks and the smiling faces.”

Gabriel Booker and his father Michael Booker, of Augusta, work on his Lego car. Gabriel came in first overall last year and third overall this year at the races. (photos by Chuck Mahaleris)

Gabriel Booker, of Augusta, came in third fastest overall with his Raptor Rider Lego car. He knows just the right blocks to put together as last year his car was the overall winner of the event. His father, Michael said Gabriel is in second grade, at Lincoln Elementary School, and he is a Wolf Cub, in Augusta Pack #684. “He loves Scouts and all the fun things that they do,” Michael Booker said while watching Gabriel put together the block car.

Simon Giroux and his father Tony Giroux, of Winslow, are members of Cub Pack #445. “I built this car. It has a Storm Trooper inside. I call it Double Play,” Simon said. He is in second grade at Winslow Elementary. Tony enjoys seeing his son use his creativity to come up with the design for the car before he builds it.

Cheryl Sarto was very pleased with the program. She and her children Mya and Jaycob came from Biddeford for the event. “They loved it,” Cheryl said. “We originally went because friends that we met at Camp Hinds Day Camp this past summer are from Pittston and were going as well. So it was definitely worth it for us.” Jaycob is a Webelos in Saco Cub Pack #311 and is in the fourth grade.

Brayden Humphrey was there with his dad Ryan Humphrey. Brayden attends Somerset Elementary School, in Hartland, where he lives. Braydon had a full story for the driver of his car “Spidey”. He has Legos at home so this was a fun event. “It was a fun event to come and build a car and race it,” Ryan said. “He helped me with the metal parts,” Braydon said about the axles that hold the tires.

Up to four cars could run on the metal track at once and an electronic eye recorded who crossed the line first and computers recorded the speeds of each car. “It is very high-tech,” McKenney said.

Local scouts honor veterans at parade

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Vassalboro Scouts at the Waterville Veterans Day Parade. Front row, from left to right, Tiger Scout Kasen Maroon, Wolf Scout Beckett Metcalf, Tiger Scout Greyson Malloy, Wolf Scout John Gray, and Wolf Scout Lux Reynolds. Second row, Tiger Den Leader Shane Maroon, Dragon Scout Lila Reynolds, Asst. Cubmaster/Wolf Den Leader Chris Reynolds, Webelos Scout Anthony Malloy, Arrow of Light Scout Christopher Santiago, Arrow of Light Scout William Vincent, Webelos Scout Henry Gray, Asst. Scoutmaster/Cubmaster Christopher Santiago. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Anthony Fortin of Augusta

In Waterville, Scouts from Vassalboro, Winslow, Windsor and Augusta marched in the Veterans Day Parade with some of the Cub Scouts from Windsor leading the pledge of allegiance at City Hall. Windsor Pack #609 Cubmaster Shawn McFarland said, “This was our first parade and first community event. I am so proud of these Littles! Thank you everyone.” The pack, which became official this month after several years of non-operation, is also going to be marching in the Gardiner Parade of Lights. Christopher Santiago is a leader for both Scout Troop and Cub Pack #410, in Vassalboro, and said, “Vassalboro Scouting came out to thank our veterans and marched in the Waterville Veterans Day Parade alongside its Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126. A great job by our scouts and their families who braved the cold on this important day. Thank you Veterans!”

In Augusta, members of Scout Troop #431 served lunch to veterans at American Legion Post #2 and in Litchfield, Scout Troop #672 took part in a flag retirement ceremony with members of American Legion William R Bold Post #181, Litchfield.

Augusta Troop 631

Pack 609 Tiger Cub Brody Dyer holding a handmade sign

SCOUTS: Tristan Morton completes orienteering course

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Tristan Morton, of Augusta, shooting a reverse azimuth.

by Chuck Mahaleris

Tristan Morton, of Augusta Troop #603, moves across terrain and trails as part of his Orienteering Requirement for the First Class Rank at Augusta’s Viles Arboretum. Working over a mile, he navigates to landmarks and cross-country, Tristan shoots a back azimuth to verify his position after boxing around Viles Pond. After verifying his position, he is ready to navigate to his next objective.

Scouts need skills like map reading, terrain identification, and compass work to be at home in Maine’s woods. Since ancient times, rough maps of the Earth and simple compasses have guided explorers, warriors, and pioneers like Lewis and Clark, Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, and Amelia Earhart. The skill of learning to understand a map and compass are vital to anyone who spends time outdoors and is an integral part of Scouting itself.

The World Crest is a Scout emblem that has been worn by an estimated 250 million Scouts worldwide since the Scouting movement was founded in 1907 by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. He later explained the significance of the World Crest, “Our badge we took from the ‘North Point’ used on maps for orienteering.” His wife, Lady Baden-Powell, added, “It shows the true way to go.” The emblem’s symbolism helps to remind Scouts to be as true and reliable as a compass in keeping to their Scouting ideals and showing others the way. It is hard to show others the way if you are not familiar with map and compass skills, and so all Scouting programs teach Scouts orienteering.

Scouts hold haunted woods event at Camp Bomazeen

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Dread Pirate Eric Handley, of Sidney, helped with registration for the Haunted Woods. He is also Scoutmaster of Sidney Troop #401 who camped over the weekend.

Text and photos
by Chuck Mahaleris

Sullivan Mudie, of Augusta, was at camp with his mom Lynette Mudie. Sullivan is a Lion Cub in Pack #684 and is in kindergarten. “I liked seeing the bumblebees,” Sullivan said. “And shooting the pumpkins with the BB Gun.”

Kids and parents clad in cute or creepy costumes skulked through Camp Bomazeen on October 14 for the annual Haunted Woods event. Cub Scouts and their parents donned fantastic or phantasmic costumes on Saturday and visited different activity areas around camp such as Archery, BB Gun Shooting, the Haunted House run by Augusta Troop 603, outdoor cooking, the obstacle course, pumpkin painting, and arts and crafts. In the evening, after the younger Scouts went home with their parents, the older Scouts from area Troops took part in the haunted hike that lasted until the witching hour (11 PM). Julie McKenney of Belgrade organized the program. “It is so much fun to watch the younger kids and their parents have fun together at Camp,” she said. “Everyone loves to get into the spirit of Halloween and it is a great family program. Then at night, the older Scouts test their Scouting knowledge and their courage as they have to survive the Haunted Trail at night.” The Troops also had a gateway competition and a stew cookoff.

The Haunted House beneath the dining hall was guarded by the Grim Reaper (Joseph Maranda) and his son Owen Maranda, of Augusta and Chelsea. Owen is a Tenderfoot Scout in Troop #631, where his dad is one of the Assistant Scoutmasters. “I’m having fun directing people into the Haunted House,” Owen said.