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A gift of $14k from the Smiley Charitable Foundation to the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club was designated as "seed money" to jump-start fundraising for resoration of the Scout Hall in Kingston. Now, three-years in, the restoration was celebrated Saturday, Feb 12, neatly astride Feb 8, Scouting's official birthday. The project was fueled by donations from former scouts and interested locals, untold hours of donated labor, and in-kind donations of materials from local businesses. The result is a to-the-studs renovation of a building originally built in the early 1960's.  Troop 555 Scouts and Cub Pack 555 call this home. In 2019, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club's Board took action to become a charter organization of the local Pack and Troop. Rotarian Doug Hallock is the Club's charter partner representative. Under his guidance, and that of local Scout leaders, a committee was formed to direct the renovation. Hallock says "the outpouring of support for this project has been just amazing, people coming out of the woodwork to help." Here, Hallock speaks at the Feb 12 rededication event. The building is officially named the Robert P. Smiley Boy Scout Hall, honoring the namesake of the man primarily responsible for the original Scout cabin. Smiley's son, Bob, spoke at the rededication ceremony, which was attended by more than one-hundred folks. Notably, the restored Scout Hall has been placed on the Washington State Heritage Registry. Rotarian De' MacKinnon, of the Kingston Historical Society, spoke to the importance of such a designation. 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: bsascout.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.
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