Troop members along with some of the parish Knights, salute the U.S. flag during the 911 Tribute event last September.
Scout Sunday is February 5.
This past Monday, Boy Scout Troop 358 welcomed 26 new members into its ranks from a younger scouting class known as Webelos. The exciting event was very apropos considering that February 5-11 is recognized as Boy Scouts of America Week by the State of Indiana. From a proclamation signed by Governor Mitch Daniels, the governor noted that, "... the mission of the Boy Scouts of America has been to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law which, among other things, states the pledge to 'do duty to God and our Country and to help other people at all times.'"
Troop 358 is one of longest standing troops in Indiana following its installation in 1923. They meet regularly at St. Alphonsus Liguori after moving their charter here in 2010. In the short time they have been part of the parish campus activities, they have made some positive and charitable impressions in our community.
The scouts have completed projects for the parish including the patio underneath the brazier where the Easter Vigil fire is lit. They serve in helping keep the Easter Vigil fire as the hundreds gather for Mass. In addition, for one of their Eagle Scout projects, they installed the flag poles at the south entrance of the church. Members have also served in a color guard role at occasions such as the 911 Tribute this past September when the parish raised its U.S. Service Flag.
With more than 100 active members, the troop, like many others, works diligently. "Our scouts engage in a wide variety of activities from running their own weekly meetings to local camping trips, excursions in the rocky mountains, national jamborees and an upcoming trip to Canada this summer," explained Scoutmaster John Wiebke, who has been leading the troop for the past two years. "Scouting is the largest youth organization in the world and offers young men in our society a mix of outdoor activity, character and citizenship development." Over the years, troop 358 has had more than 150 members earn the highest honor in scouts known as the Eagle Scout Award.
In order to continue developing their skills and serving others, the scouts take various trips. This year they will be travelling to the Haliburton Scout Reserve, a campground in Canada, for a unique opportunity that will offer multiple skill building experiences. The scouts will be holding pancake breakfasts at the parish on March 3, March 17 and April 14 to raise funds for the trip. Look for more information about the breakfasts and be sure to swing by for a warm meal and chance to meet these fine young students who are making a difference in our community along with all scouts across the globe.
In honor of Boy Scouts of America Week, try and thank a scout you may know, or ask them about their adventures and encourage them to continue in the good work they do. "As scoutmaster of the troop, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the members of the church for hosting our troop - without you our program would not be possible," expressed Wiebke.