Boy Scouts of America anniversary observed
By Caitlin Ryan
The Highland County Press
Local Boy Scouts will celebrate Scout Sunday and mark the end of an era during the annual observance of the Boy Scouts’ anniversary, Feb. 8.
According to Colleen Bolton, this Sunday will mark the closing of Boy Scout Troop 226, which has been a part of the community for nearly 70 years.
Troop 226, which was founded in 1948, will now be chartered as a Venturing Crew for boys and girls, while Troop 171 will continue to serve local young men and the community.
“The town didn’t need two Boy Scout troops, so we retired Troop 226 and converted the same number to a venturing crew,” Bolton said.
The Hillsboro First United Methodist Church charters both troops.
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“We are honored to sponsor our local Boy Scout troop,” said Jarrod Weiss, Hillsboro First UMC Leadership Council member and Boy Scout Charter Representative. “The Boy Scouts are a fantastic organization which continues their tradition of providing the local boys of our community programs that focus on character development and value-based leadership training.”
Troop 226 was formerly chartered by the New Hope Baptist Church and the Hillsboro First Presbyterian Church before the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church began chartering the troop in 1988.
According to their website, the “Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting.”
The Boy Scouts of America site states that the United Methodist Church recognizes the event on the second Sunday in February.
Scout Sunday church observances often include responsive readings of “The Scout Law,” “On My Honor” and “Hear Our Prayer,” along with meditations appropriate for Boy Scouts.
“Scout Sunday is our chance to highlight the life-changing experiences that scouting provides and to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of these young men with our entire congregation at Hillsboro First UMC,” Weiss said.
The newly formed Venturing Crew will be open to young men and women ages 14-21. The inaugural group will include three young women in Chloe Griggs, Jacquelyn Marietta and Danielle Coleman.
“Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth, adult leaders and organizations in their communities,” according to scouting.org.
“Local community organizations establish a Venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community.
“The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, develop leadership skills, and become good citizens.”
The group is led by Bolton, Becky Hottinger and Jim Coleman, along with charter rep Weiss. For more information on joining the Venturing Crew, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/551103684992497/.