It was Scout Night, Wed, Mar 15, at the joint meeting of the Noon Team and the Evening Team of Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club. The meeting was held in the newly renovated Scout Hall.
More than two years ago, the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club became the sponsoring organization for the local Scouts and Cubs. Rotarian Doug Hallock is the Club's liaison to the Scouts, and has been instrumental in securing funding, materials, and labor - a lot of it sweat-equity - to get the building remodel accomplished. With its warm and gleaming new fireplace, lodge-like wall paneling, Scout and Rotary posters, too, the place looks like a Scout Hall.
Scout Master, and wearer-of-many-Scout hats, John Strand, told of the launch of Troop 555 in 1948. The Troop has produced 48 Eagle Scouts over the years. In 2023, it is celebrating its 75th anniversary; it is Strand's goal to produce 75 Scout events in celebration. In addition to Scout activities such as camping and other outings, local Scouts contribute in their community, with food drives and 4th of July parade cleanup.
Left to right, Scout senior patrol leader Marshall Neth, Scout Master Strand, Club Liaison Doug Hallock, and future Rotarian Craig Smith. Strand mentioned the urgent need for volunteers. No Scouting connections necessary. Hallock emphasized that Rotarians and Scouts are a natural fit, for they "both honor values that keep our country together, and instill values in our young people."