This year marks the 105th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America. Scouting groups around the country celebrated the event on Sunday, Feb. 8, with an annual Blue and Gold dinner. In Bayville, Scouts from first-grade Tigers and third-grade Bears to fifth-grade Webelos, along with their families, enjoyed a potluck dinner followed by a live animal show at St. Gertrude’s Church Banquet Hall.
“We have a potluck dinner to make it social and live animals to make it fun, but at the end of the day, it’s to celebrate the boys and their hard work,” said Troop Leader Stacey Bowden.
Bowden’s son, Ciaran, along with the rest of their troop, earned his wolf badge for completing all the necessary requirements.
Additionally, according to Bowden, the dinner celebrates troop leaders, parents and all those who have supported the Scouts throughout the year, and is meant to inspire the boys and the leaders to continue to grow through Scouting.
John Cote is the Scout Master for Scout groups in grades one through five and says one of his goals is to encourage boys to continue Scouting as they reach the upper grades. One way he plans to do that is to provide plenty of opportunities for the young boys to interact with the older Scout members.
“When they see the older boys with all of their merit badges they get excited,” said Cote.
Webelo James Tockman, 9, says he’s looking forward to continuing with Scouting next year and said his favorite part of Scouting was being able to help others by collecting food donations.
Another favorite event among the Scouts is the annual Pinewood Derby, where kids design and race model cars in a spirit of friendly competition.
Sagamore Hill Park Ranger Scott Gurney was also in attendance. Gurney serves as the volunteer unit commissioner for the Shelter Rock District of the Theodore Roosevelt Council, one of the nation’s oldest Scouting councils.
Sagamore Hill is very supportive of Scouts, who are allowed to visit free of charge.
According to Gurney: “TR was an early supporter of Scouting, as the program addresses some of his concerns for youth: citizenship, outdoor experiences and building character. He was the first commissioner of the Nassau County Council (now named for him), and was given the unique title of Chief Scout Citizen.”
Following the dinner and the awards ceremony, Scouts, parents and siblings gathered for a live animal presentation from Petland Discounts. Animal handlers brought out a variety of reptiles, a bunny and a hedgehog for the children to touch and hold.
“The snake felt soft,” said a surprised Lilly, 5.
Anyone wishing to learn more about becoming a Scout in Bayville can contact John Cote directly at jcotebsa@optonline.net or visit www.trcbsa.org.
