The past few days have been awesome. Starting with our annual Family Campout that could not have been any better. So many of you participated, scrumptious food, a peaceful float down the Huzzah River and a superbly organized Court of Honor, all in near perfect weather.
Who could ask for more?
At the Court of Honor, the parents were treated to excellent presentations recounting the adventures at Sea Base, NYLT, STEM, and Eagle Trail camp and a mini High Adventure trip that took six boys to South Carolina for sea kayaking and island survival and to North Carolina for a 2-day, 20-mile trek on the Appalachian trail.
Dozens upon dozens of merit badges were handed out and every rank from Tenderfoot to Life was awarded to deserving scouts. We also honored Bob Beiser, Assistant Scoutmaster extraordinaire, for attaining his Wood Badge and achieving Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow.
This week-end was very special for Troop 344, and for me. The torch of stewarding the boys would be transferred from Dave Gruenbacher and placed in my hands.
We shared our appreciation for Dave Gruenbacher’s dedicated service as Scoutmaster of Troop 344. His contributions were exemplary and we are lucky and grateful that he will continue his commitment to scouting in a variety of roles … as web administrator, as a leader on the challenge course and maybe even hosting an event (or two?). Thank you, sir!
We closed the evening with me taking the oath of Scoutmaster. Lori Anderson, our committee chair, placed the Scoutmaster badge on my sleeve. It was a very special moment. The scope of these responsibilities I do not take lightly.
Being part of the troop in this role is an honor and a privilege. The time commitment, efforts and contributions of Troop 344’s many adult leaders, committee members and parents allow the Scoutmaster to focus on where it counts: our boys.
It is my turn to continue the tradition, reinforce our values and help our scouts become adults in a society that relentlessly evolves and continuously presents us with new challenges. I will do my best.
Yours in Scouting,
Filip Everaert
Troop 344 