Since their inception, Rotary International (1905) and Boy Scouts of America (1910) have been partners in serving young people. The principles and goals of both organizations are closely allied. Character-building; service to country, to others, and to self; teaching leadership skills; and becoming aware of the world around us - these are all incorporated into the programs and activities of each organization.
In 2019, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club’s Board took action to become a charter organization of the local Cub Scout Pack and the local Boy Scout Troop. Rotarian Doug Hallock is the Club’s charter partner representative. Under his guidance, a committee was formed to organize and direct a major restoration of the local Scout Hall in Kola Kole Park. A major gift of $14k from the Smiley Charitable Foundation served to kick-start other donations of money and in-kind work, such that the project will be completed in time for its inauguration Feb 8, 2022 (the anniversary of Scouts in the USA).
In Kingston, there are 20 active Cubs and 10 active Scouts. After more than a year of Covid shutdown, Leaders and Scouts alike are excited to be back to meeting and going out on new adventures. As more families recognize how Scouting is a great way to stay involved in fun activities outside of the house, the number of active Scouts is expected to grow. The program aims to help young people have fun while practicing skills they will need as leaders of the future. The Troop has at least one outing per month, so that Scouts can experience wilderness and the challenges of planning and succeeding at outdoor activities. Recently they did a bike ride along the Crescent Lake trail, participated in Kingston’s 4th of July parade, riding together in uniform and cleaning up along the route afterwards, and did trail maintenance at a local natural area. In August they will attend a week-long Scout Camp. Here, Scouts ride in the 4th of July Parade.
You may have seen Scouts running and jumping around town: the younger Scouts are working on physical fitness tests for their Tenderfoot rank. The current Senior Patrol Leader, Ian Whitney, is preparing his Eagle project. This is what he had to say about his Scout experience: “I like getting opportunities to get outdoors. I have been on hikes, camping trips, fished, and kayaked. I have been to Boy Scout Camp six times and had fun times. I have learned about my community and served my community.”
Scouts do serve their community. Troop 555 Committee Chair Duane Drummond reports, “in May there was a litter patrol around downtown Kingston, and a food drive which went door-to-door. They also were active in the Kitsap Trail maintenance project. More service activities are on the way as Covid restrictions are eased.” Rotarian Mark Libby worked alongside Scouts on the Kitsap Trail maintenance project.
As mentioned, being active in Scouts gets kids out of the house, to learn skills, experience the outdoors, and understand the value of service to their community, all while being part of an active, fun group. Parents can go online to learn more at: beascout.scouting.org. Or better yet, contact Kingston Scoutmaster John Strand (206-293-9528) for meeting information and to sign up for Scouts (John knows about Cubs and Boy Scouts - aka Scouts BSA, as girls are now welcome to join).
Scouts need your ongoing support. As fundraising has been curtailed by Covid, any and all donations are welcome, either in support of Scout activities, or the Scout Hall restoration project. Folks can go to Kitsap Credit Union (Kingston’s branch is in the Kingston Safeway) to donate, specifying the gift to either Troop 555 or Pack 4555. Donations to the Scout Hall restoration project are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Foundation/Scout Hall, and sent to KNK Rotary, P.O. Box 832, Kingston, WA 98346.
Local Scouts are sponsored by Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club. They are looking to grow and continue to prosper.