Tag Archive for: Scouts

Cub Scouts, start your engines!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Left to right, Cubmaster Sabrina Garfield, Finn Hood, Oliver Stack, Assistant Cubmaster Tyler Swett and Josh Collins. (contributed photo)

by Chris Bernier

Cub Scouts from Pack #445 gathered on Sunday March 1 to race in the annual Pinewood Derby. This qualifying event for the Kennebec Valley District Scouting Derby was held at Winslow Parks and Rec, in Winslow. Co- hosting the event with Pack #445 was Troop #433-F. The race was open to Cub Scouts, siblings, adults, troop scouts and businesses who sponsored a car.

They event saw 35 racers total with six Cub Scouts qualifying to move onto the district level race and one cub moving onto the district Best in Show competition.

The following businesses were wonderful in making a donation to sponsor a car. O’Connors Auto Group and 201 Battery Tire and Service, both of Augusta, CTB Electronics, Ideal Electric, Mossing Around Photography and Freddy’s Garage, all of Winslow.

The day ended with the following youth moving onto represent Pack #445 at the district level race which is being held on April 11, at Messalonskee Middle School, in Oakland.

Finn Hood – 1st place Over All and 1st place Arrow of Light Den;
Oliver Stack – 2nd place Over All and 1st place Tiger Den;
Joshua Collins – 3rd place Over All and 2nd place of the Arrow of Light Den;
Jackson Waldie – 1st place Lion Den;
Cody McGraw – 1st place Wolf Den;
Kenny Bryar – 1st place Bear Den;
Lorelei Pullen – 1st place Best in Show.

Pack #445 thanks the following individuals for helping to make the 2026 Pack #445, Winslow Pinewood Derby a success. Amanda McCaslin, of Winslow Parks and Rec, CTB Electronics for the AV support, Cubmaster Sabrina Garfield, Assistant Cubmaster Tyler Swett, Millard Davis of Troop #433, Kevin Collins, Rick Pullen, and all of the parents, of Pack #445 who helped to lend a hand in set up and take down.

If you or someone you know, is interested in Cub Scouting, Troop Scouting or Race car sponsoring, please contact Scout volunteer Chris Bernier at circleofone555@hotmail.com with the subject heading of “Cub Scout Pack 445 info”.

Area scout leaders recognized with 2026 district awards

/0 Comments/in , , /by

2026 District Award recipients and family. Left seated Jamie Santiago. Behind is Chritopher Santiago (son) and Christopher Santiago (husband) all from Troop #410, Vassalboro. Right seated Walter Fails. Behind is Ginger Fails (Wife) and Camaeron Fails (Son), all from Troop #546, Farmington. (contributed photo)

by Christopher Bernier

On March 14, 25 adult leaders and their families attended the 2026 Kennebec Valley District Scouting America District Awards Banquet. This year the banquet was hosted at Winslow Parks and Recreation, on Benton Avenue, in Winslow, home to Troop #433 Winslow. The banquet was catered by Rita’s Catering for the fourth year in a row. The Maine Mobile Scouting Museum was on display during the event, showcasing patches, uniforms, and other memorabilia going back as far as the beginning of Scouting in 1911.

The evening opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and short messages of encouragement and gratitude from the district’s “Key 3.” The Key 3 consists of District Chairman Eric Handley, District Commissioner Peter Lidiak, and District Executive Leah Berry. These three individuals represent the top leadership of the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting, with K-Valley being the largest district in Pine Tree Council. Following the Key 3 remarks, Christopher Santiago, of Troop #410 Vassalboro, gave the evening’s prayer before the meal.

Following dinner was the main presentation of district thank-you certificates and awards. Thank-you certificates and awards were handed out by the district chairman, the former District Commissioner, the program chairman the advancement chairman, and the roundtable commissioner.

Next were the district training awards. These awards are earned by adult leaders in Scouting America who complete additional training for their positions and successfully finish a number of required tasks. The following adult leaders were recognized:

Scouter’s Training Award – Cub Scout Level: Ginger Fails and Walter Fails, of Troop #546, Farmington.

Scouter’s Training Award – Scouts BSA Level: Marcy Gage and Don Gage, of Troop #485, Skowhegan.

Scouter’s Training Award – District Committee Level: Christopher Santiago, of Troop #410, Vassalboro.

Cubmaster’s Key Award: Walter Fails, of Troop #546, Farmington.

Scoutmaster’s Key Award: Don Gage, of Troop #485, Skowhegan,

District Key Award: Christopher Santiago, of Troop #410, Vassalboro, and Eric Handley, of Troop #401, Sidney.

Commissioner’s Arrowhead Award and Commissioner’s Key Award: Christopher Santiago, of Troop #410, Vassalboro, Julie McKenney, of Pack #454, Oakland, Eric Handley, of Troop #401, Sidney, and Chris Bernier, of Troop #433-F, Winslow.

Next were the specialty awards. The following honors were presented:

The Phil Mason Honor Scout Award.

This award is given to a Scout through nomination by his or her peers for outstanding performance and for best exemplifying the Scout Oath and Law. This year there were two recipients: Thomas Gage and Joshua Gilpin, of Troop #485, of Skowhegan.

The Raymond “Papa Bear” Award.

This award is given to adult leaders through nominations from their peers and their youth Senior Patrol Leader through letters of recommendation. This year there were two recipients: Don Gage, of Troop #485, Skowhegan, and Julie McKenney, of Pack #454, Oakland.

The Unit Leader Award of Merit.

This award is also presented through nomination by one’s peers and the unit committee chairperson. This year’s recipients were Don Gage, of Troop #485, Skowhegan, Christopher Santiago, of Troop #410, Vassalboro, and Ginger Fails, of Troop #546, Farmington.

The peak of the evening was the awarding of the District Award of Merit. The District Award of Merit is the highest distinction and recognition that can be given to any adult leader within the district. The nomination process is completed through an application with at least two letters of recommendation from one’s peers. The nomination committee reviews the submissions and may select only two recipients for the award year. This year the committee selected two dedicated individuals whose records show they consistently go above and beyond the call of duty as volunteers in Scouting America.

The first recipient of the 2026 District Award of Merit was Jamie Santiago, of Troop #410, Vassalboro. Jamie joined Scouting in 2019 when her son joined Pack #61, in Norton, Massachusetts, which is part of Narragansett Council. In 2020, Jamie and her husband Christopher moved to Vassalboro. They joined Pack #410, Vassalboro, along with their son. Jamie has held multiple positions of responsibility in her pack, and when her son crossed over into Troop #410 she also volunteered in various leadership roles to help keep the unit running smoothly.

Jamie also volunteered at various events hosted by the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting. As a result of her volunteerism, she eventually became the Kennebec Valley District Vice Chairman for Finance and also serves as a district member-at-large. Jamie later joined the District Advancement Team, where she participates in Eagle Scout candidate boards of review, which are the final step in earning the Eagle Scout Award.

Outside of Scouting, Jamie is very involved with her son’s sports teams and is a huge fan of everything Disney. She serves her community whenever she can and is truly an outstanding individual.

The second recipient of the 2026 District Award of Merit was Walter Fails, of Troop #546, Farmington. Walter joined Scouting with his son in 2017. He quickly became involved, serving as the Tiger Den Leader for their pack. He later became Cubmaster for the Farmington pack and volunteered at many of the events the pack hosted.

Eventually his son crossed over into the troop, and Walter continued his Scouting journey alongside him. During this time Walter also began volunteering at district events such as camporees and Klondike derbies. He later became involved with the District Training Committee, which is responsible for hosting training events for new volunteers and leaders to prepare them for running a Cub Scout pack or Scout troop. From meetings to camping and everything in between, Walter and his team of trainers have helped prepare dozens of new parents and volunteers to provide quality Scouting to youth across the Kennebec Valley District.

Outside of Scouting, Walter loves the outdoors. He enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, Dutch oven cooking, canoeing, and leatherworking. He also volunteers when he can with the American Legion in Farmington. Walter is also a third-degree Master Mason in the fraternal society of Freemasonry.

These two volunteer Scout leaders are truly valued within the Scouting community. Without their dedication and love for Scouting, the Kennebec Valley would be a very different place. The award was presented to both individuals with their families and their Scouting families present. Each received a plaque engraved with their name, a special patch for their uniform, a certificate, a pin, and a bouquet of flowers.

If you are interested in Scouting America or wish to volunteer, please contact your local Scouting unit or Pine Tree Council, Scouting America. You can also visit beascout.scouting.org.

Scouts Sunday well attended in Vassalboro

/0 Comments/in , /by

Twelve of the 48 Scouts from Vassalboro Pack and Troop #410 who attended Scouting Sunday service on February 8 along with their leaders and some members of the Vassalboro United Methodist Church. (photo by Dale Potter-Clark)

by Dale Potter-Clark

Scouts Sunday was well attended at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) on February 8 by Scouts, their family members, guests and church members. Annual Scouting Sundays honor the anniversary of Boy Scouts USA which was founded on February 8, 1910, and coincidentally the Vassalboro Scouts #410 was chartered exactly 56 years ago.

Harvey Boatman and Linda Millay from the VUMC leadership team planned the service with Christopher Santiago, Troop #410 Scoutmaster and Pack #410 Cubmaster. The Scouts participated in various parts of the service including as greeters, acolytes and Scripture readers. They also presented and retired the colors, led the congregation in the pledge of allegiance and recited the Scout pledge and law. Lunch and a time of fellowship immediately followed the service.

Santiago related, “Scout Sunday was such a wonderful day and being able to celebrate with members of the VUMC congregation was especially rewarding. It was overwhelming in a positive way for me to have a dozen Scouts and their families representing both our Cub Scout Pack and our Troop. The service filled me with pride, watching our Scouts represent themselves, their families and our units so well. I am honored to serve as their unit leader, and am tremendously rewarded for the time, energy, and love I put into it, and I am especially grateful to all of our parents who not only entrust their children to my care within our programs but for their continued support and active engagement. Collectively we are very grateful to the Vassalboro United Methodist Church for their continued supper and for opening their facility for the operation of our program.”

FMI about VUMC programs and services contact Pastor Merrill at info.vumc@gmail.com or (207) 873-5564. FMI about Scouts 410 contact Santiago at (603) 903-9709 or vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com. Both organizations can be followed on Facebook.

Pastor Karen Merrill (standing far right) delivered the VUMC children’s message on February 8, to 12 Scouts from Pack and Troop #410, some young guests and several children who regularly attend VUMC church services. (photo by Chris Santiago)

William Dudley achieves rank of Eagle Scout

/0 Comments/in , /by

Kellie Dudley pins the Eagle Scout medal on her son while Troop #401 Scoutmaster Eric Handley looks on. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

William R. Dudley, of Sidney, son of Joel and Kellie Dudley, was presented the Eagle Scout award during a special ceremony held in his honor at the James H. Bean Elementary School, in Oakland. The location is fitting as Dudley’s Eagle Scout project had several benefits for the school including building an outdoor classroom and a bridge.

Since it was first awarded in 1912, more than two million young people have achieved Scouting America’s highest rank. The study conducted by Baylor University, Merit Beyond the Badges, found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than men who have never been in Scouting to:

  • Have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, and network with others;
  • Be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community;
  • Report having closer relationships with family and friends;
  • Volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations;
  • Donate money to charitable groups;
  • Work with others to improve their neighborhoods.

Gerald Ford, who earned the Scouter of the Year Award in 1974 – while he was president. JFK was the first Boy Scout – but not Eagle Scout – to hold the nation’s top office; Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were both Scouts, too, but never advanced beyond Cub.

Astronaut Neil Armstrong is perhaps the most famous Eagle Scout and now William Dudley joins him in soaring high. State and federal representatives applauded his accomplishment as did various organizations such as the U.S. Marine Corps League.

Scouts to be honored in Vassalboro on Scouting Sunday

/0 Comments/in , /by

Advancement ceremony at VUMC in December of the Scouts #410 Webelos Den (fourth Graders): Cubmaster Chris Santiago and Den Leader Chris Reynolds with Declan McLaughlin, John Gray, Beckett Metcalf, and Lux Reynolds. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

Scouting Sunday is February 8, when Vassalboro BSA Scouting Troop #410 and Pack #410 will take part in the 10 a.m. worship service at their hosting organization, the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, at 614 Main Street. The public is invited to attend the special service and the lunch and time of fellowship that will immediately follow.

The celebration of Scouts Sunday is an opportunity for the community to acknowledge and support the Scouts’ dedication and hard work throughout the year; and to emphasize the importance of faith and duty to God as integral parts of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts will attend in uniform and participate in some traditional aspects of the service, present the colors and share their experiences in scouting.

Boy Scouts were founded in England in 1908. The next year Chicago publisher, William D. Boyce was visiting London when he lost his way in a dense fog and a British Boy Scout came along and safely guided Boyce to his destination. When Boyce offered the youngster a tip he refused it, explaining that as a Scout he would not take payment for doing a good deed. This gesture inspired Boyce and he established Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.

Vassalboro Scout Troop #410 received its charter in January 1970 from the Kennebec Valley District of the Pine Tree Council. At that time the troop was chartered by the East Vassalboro Grange and meetings were usually held there. Today the Vassalboro Scouts are chartered by the American Legion Post #126 and hosted by the Vassalboro United Methodist Church. According to Scoutmaster, Christopher Santiago there’s currently 44 Scouts – 28 in the Cub Pack and 14 in the Troop. When asked how the Vassalboro Scouts grew to such proportions Santiago related, “People found out by word of mouth about all that we do with our Scouts, which attracted some from outside of town.” Vassalboro BSA Scouting Troop and Pack #410 members are currently residents of six towns – China, Windsor, Palermo, Jefferson, Benton and Vassalboro.

If there is a storm this service will be postponed to Sunday, February 15, and notice of that would be posted on the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page. FMI call or text Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 441-7086 or email info.VUMC@gmail.com. FMI about the Vassalboro Scouting Troop and Pack #410, email Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago at vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.

Advancement ceremony at VUMC in December of the Scouts #410 Tiger Den (first graders): Cubmaster Chris Santiago and Den Leader Jamie Santiago with Maverick Quirion, Finn Theberge, Cameron Rairdon, Clay Rairdon, Ryan Kimball, and Eli Lathrop. (contributed photo)

Zachary LeHay earns Eagle Scout status

/0 Comments/in , /by

Charity LeHay, left, looks on as her husband Willie presents the Eagle Scout certificate to Zachary. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Zachary LeHay, of Benton, son of Willie and Charity LeHay, was presented with his Eagle Scout rank and medal during a ceremony that took place at the LeHay Auction House, in Benton, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Zachary is a member of Troop #401, in Sidney.

Troop #401 Committee Chairman Andy Steinberger said, “Today is a celebration of a journey, a journey full of challenges, friendship, struggles, and, occasionally, a little fun. Today, we think of all the Merit Badges earned along the way, the oaths committed to, the character this young man developed, and the service to our community he worked so hard to bring about. Little by little, month by month and year by year, he was faithful, and we celebrate his faith, commitment, and hard work.”

Zachary’s Eagle Scout project consisted of building and setting up U.S. Flag collection boxes in Belgrade, Oakland and Sidney, so people can drop off their frayed, tattered and otherwise unusable US flags for proper disposal.

Scoutmaster Eric Handley said, “The Eagle extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting’s trail, just as others helped him in his climb to Eagle Scout. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on new meaning, when he enters an adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as the protector of the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He is always prepared to put forth his best.”

Local youth groups participate in Veterans Day parade (2025)

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

All the local youth groups that participated in the Veterans Day Parade, in Waterville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

“It is so important for the community to honor, pay respect, and show gratitude to all veterans but especially for those in our community and in some cases our own family who have shown the courage to serve our country with the ultimate belief that service above all else is what they are committed to,” said Christopher Santiago, Kennebec Valley District Commissioner of Pine Tree Council, Scouting America. “Scouting has had a long relationship with the military and veterans. Our Scout Oath reads directly to do our Duty to God and Duty to Our Country. With that being said, honoring our country and those who protect it is a very real opportunity to teach young people about citizenship and the responsibility we have to our country and community. Not everyone will serve in the military, but individuals serve as police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and so many other professions for the purpose of serving others. Participating in the Veterans Day Parade allows us the opportunity to make these lessons real and encourage our youth to think about the positive impact they can have in the lives of others.”

Vassalboro Troop #410, march down Main St., in Waterville. Other groups participating included Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410, Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445, Winslow Troop #433, Oakland Cub Scout Pack #454, Augusta Troop #603, and Girl Scouts Arnold Trail Service Unit Troop #1521. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Local scouts attend international camporee

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

Youth from Troop #433, Winslow, Parker Small, Instructor Amber Chesley, Ashish Debas, Russell Lawler, doing the lab rats maze. Below, Fallyn Soucy, of Troop #433, Winslow, and instructor Jeff “Turtle” DeHart, at the tomahawk range. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The date was September 26 when several cars and trucks rolled into Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge, in Baring. The vehicles were filled with 150 youth and leaders of Scouting America ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead in the 63rd annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee. The theme of the camporee was Zombie Apocalypse.

That evening Scouts from all over Maine set up their campsites and made it home for the night. The following day scouts roamed the refuge field near the YCC building going from station to station completing various skills including first aid, archery, tomahawk throwing, citizenship, and emergency preparedness. The fan favorite for the weekend was the obstacle course where each patrol had to rescue a victim of a zombie attack who was hurt and in a cave. At the starting point, the team would have to carry supplies needed to assemble a makeshift stretcher, through the obstacle course. Once inside the pretend cave, assemble the stretcher at which point they had to carefully place the victim on the stretcher, in this case, the victim being a 2×4 constructed dummy with full articulating limbs and a Styrofoam head with wig for dramatic effect. At this point the team would have to work together to carry the dummy/victim back through the obstacle course to the start point. The youth attending rapidly nicknamed the victim “Franky” for looking like something that might have come out of Frankenstein.

Other stations included “pathogen identification” where youth learned about pathogens that affect wildlife. “Build a bug out bag” which teaches youth how to build an emergency preparedness bag. In the “cross the river station” youth learn how to build a bridge using minimal supplies. “Early warning” was a station where youth used random items commonly found in a campsite to build a makeshift trap style alarm just in case a zombie wanders in their campsite in the middle of the night. “Feed the Zombie” was a station where youth tossed fake brains into a zombie mouth for accuracy and points. “Primitive fire building” taught youth old style flint and steel fire building. “Zombie-a-pult” allowed youth to launch golf balls at empty water bottles. The “zombie blockade” taught youth how to build a makeshift real fence using their lashing skills. “Move the zombie head” was a station where youth had to move a tenpin bowling ball (the zombie head) approximately 20 feet with rope, bungee straps and what they could find in their bug out bag all while not touching the ball. Teamwork rules the day in all of these events.

Park ranger Maurice Mills and the local HAM amateur radio club supplied a station where youth learned Morse code and how to talk on a HAM radio to individuals all around the world.

Every scout and scout unit participated in a service project for the Moosehorn Refuge. This was a maintenance project on the handicap fishing pier, where the scouts scrapped the old paint from the pier and painted it with a new coat of brown paint. The project was completed in good time and helps to preserve the pier for future use. According to the refuge the pier is used quite often.

In the evening, all of the participants gathered for a common closing campfire where the youth performed skits, dances, cheers and songs. A few of the performances included “The world’s biggest conga line”, “Augh! Zombies! Skit”, “Jet to holiday skit”, “Zombie invisible bench skit” and “3-legged pig skit” just to name a few. The campfire was closed out with a song from Camporee Campmaster (self-proclaimed “Head Beagle) Chris “Montawagon” Bernier, of Winslow, called Fade Away on his 12- string guitar, a long tradition at this event, and a ceremony of ashes lead by long time staffer Mike “Ranger ML” Locke. “In the Ashes” ceremony a container of campfire ashes are added to the fire. These ashes are from many previous campfires from all over the world as well as several national and international jamborees. Scouts are encouraged to take the ashes the next morning and mix them with ashes of campfires in the future. Thus, carrying the legacy of Scouting through their journey through the program and life.

Scouts from the following units were in attendance: Troop #433, Winslow, Pack #2123, Holden, Troop #2019, Ellsworth, Troop #139, Cherryfield, Troop #72, Old Town, Troop #125, Machias, Troop #102, Bucksport, Troop #482, Pittsfield, Troop #86, Ellsworth, Troop #1, Eddington, Troop #213B, Damariscotta, Troop #41, Hampden and Pack #454, Oakland. Unfortunately, this year no Canadian Scouts were in attendance of the camporee. However, we did have two Canadians in camp during the weekend who helped keep the tradition of the international event.

On Sunday the September 28, there was a closing ceremony and then prizes were handed out for the various competitions over the weekend. Troop #125, Machias, received the Bob McVicor Award for best exemplifying the Scout Oath and Law during the weekend.

The following youth received the Mike Bonvie Honor Scout Awards during the weekend:

Ella Rhyne, of Troop #433, Winslow, accepting this year’s 2025 Mike Bonvie Award. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Jace Patterson, of Troop #76, Ella Rhyne, of Troop #433, Ian Aldrich, of Troop #76, and Anika Varnum, of Troop #2019. This award is given to individual Scouts who most exemplify the Scout oath and Law at the event.

Best overall for competitive events, first place was awarded to Troop #254 and Troop #1, who worked together through the weekend to earn first place. Second place went to Troop #2019, third place went to Troop #125 “Pick up patrol”, and a tie for fourth place went to Troop #76 and Troop #428.

A gateway competition was also held. Troop #433 took first place in the gateway competition with Troop #125 taking second and Troop #86 taking third.

After the closing ceremony and awards, the camporee ended with a statement from Campmaster Chris saying, “Safe journey home to all of you and may the great scoutmaster be with all of you until we meet again” and the attendees replied in kind “Until we meet again”. The crowd slowly made its way back to their vehicles and left the refuge better than they found it, all the while excited to return in a year for the 64th annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee in 2026.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Thomas Gage earns rank of Eagle Scout

/0 Comments/in , /by

Marcy Gage places the Eagle Scout neckerchief on her son Thomas’ shoulders. Behind is Assistant Scoutmaster Shawn Hayden. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Thomas Gage, son of Donald and Marcy Gage of Canaan, received Scouting America’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout medal- during a ceremony on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the American Legion Post #16.

Gage, who is a member of Troop #485, chartered by the Skowhegan Federated Church, earned 40 merit badges ranging from Scuba Diving and Life Saving to Cooking and Camping. He has also experienced exciting Scouting programs at Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade, Camp Hinds, in Raymond, Camp Roosevelt, in Eddington, and at the annual Cobscook/Moosehorn International Camporee.

Scouts from as far away as Augusta and Wilton attended the occasion recognizing the accomplishment that fewer than four percent of all Scouts nationwide actually achieve. Walter Fails, of New Sharon, served as Master of Ceremonies. “As Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop #485, I certify that this Scout has actively participated in Scouting in their troop, demonstrated leadership, and done their best to help in their home, school, church and community,” said Shawn Hayden, of Skowhegan. Before becoming an Eagle, all candidates must complete a significant project to benefit their community. Thomas conducted a Child ID event to bring awareness to the importance of child safety and helping law enforcement in a time of need.

The Eagle Scout medal was pinned on Thomas’ uniform by his mother who also replaced his troop neckerchief with the Eagle Scout neckerchief. This took place after Thomas reaffirmed his commitment to continue to live up to the high ideals of Scouting:

“On my honor, I will do my best to make my training an example and my status and influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship, in my troop, in my community, and in my contact with other people,” Thomas Gage said. “To this I pledge my sacred honor.” This Eagle Charge was led by Darrin Files, former Scoutmaster of Troop #485. Letters of congratulations were shared from the entire Congressional delegation and State Senator Brad Farrin presented a legislative sentiment, a flag that had flown above the State House, in Augusta, and a special challenge coin. Additionally, he received special recognition from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the National Park Service; and the Blue Angels, among others.

Gregory Bard earns high rank of Eagle Scout

/0 Comments/in , /by

Gregory Bard’s mother, Mary, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his uniform. (contributed photo)

by Dan Allarie

Fewer than one of every youth who dons a Scout uniform will attain the Eagle Scout rank. Gregory Bard, of Troop# 401, in Sidney, managed to soar to that height and a ceremony was held in his honor at the former St John Catholic School, in Winslow, where he was presented this significant recognition.

Family and friends and fellow Scouts gathered on June 7 to celebrate all Greg had achieved in Scouting. After reviewing his accomplishments and highlighting some of his experiences, Troop #401 Scoutmaster spoke directly to Greg and with great solemnity said, “Be a leader but lead only toward the best. Lift every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So, live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living. We have too many who use their strength and their brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends.”

Gregory’s mother Mary pinned the Eagle Scout medal onto his uniform and in turn he presented parent pins to his mother and his father Ryan.

Local leaders, such as Tom Purtell, of the Marine Corps League, and State Representative Alicia Collin,s of Sidney, presented Greg with testimonials and certificates. National leaders also added their praise of his accomplishments.

“The Eagle Scout award represents a great deal of hard work and dedication on your part. The improvements you made at the Sidney Athletic Association will be used and enjoyed for many years. You should be justly proud,” noted U.S. Senator Susan Collins. Greg’s Eagle Scout project saw him lead in the extension of the association’s storage shed and construct a new roof. The shed was not sufficient for all of the maintenance tools and grounds equipment. More than 100 hours of service was given to make this project happen and all of it was under the direction of Greg Bard.

“It is clear that you have developed a natural and effective leadership style- one built on leading by example, following direction when needed, and guiding others towards a shared goal,” Congressman Jared Golden wrote in his congratulatory letter. “That’s a rare combination, and one that will serve you well throughout life.”

Scoutmaster Handley gave one last piece of advice: “As an Eagle Scout, you become a guide to other Scouts of lower rank. You become an example in your community. Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people will expect more of you.”