Since the Boy Scouts of America began in 1910, many young men have recited the Scout Oath and followed its law to make good decisions throughout their lives.

Scouting is still going strong a century later and continues to teach important values that are sometimes lacking in today’s society.

Bill Hertel, Troop 634 scoutmaster, has been associated with the organization since 1998 when one of his boys became a member. Since then, four of his five sons have been or are now in the troop. It currently has about 30 members.

“What we try to teach them is how to make ethical decisions .... (and) model the Scout law and oath, which we repeat at every meeting .... They are constantly quizzed on points of the law.”

These “timeless values” are the reasons why he believes the Boy Scouts have been around for so long. “They’ll help you live a good and happy life.”

When dealing with disciplinary measures, Hertel refers back to the Scout Law. “I have the boys write something up with what law they broke .... It’s a great way to reflect on what they did and why it was wrong .... They respond to that.”

This group is one of the longest-lived troops in the state, celebrating a 75th anniversary in 2005.

Meetings are held each Monday during the school year from 7-8:30 p.m. at Camp Mesty, which is adjacent to St. John’s United Church of Christ, the troop’s sponsor.

There is also the outdoor part where “boys learn a lot of scouting through the camping program .... They learn skills and put all that into practice. Once a month, we try to have a campout.” Members also learn how to work as a team, the leader notes.

“We’re putting together plans for Earth Day. The boys have embraced that.” Over the past four years, several members have earned the prestigious Eagle Scout rank by completing various projects, including working on the park behind Harmeyer’s Supermarket, placing park benches around the Liberty Park Reservoir and putting fences up at Brum Woods.

In the future, he hopes to have more volunteer opportunities available for the Scouts.

Boys who would like to join or adults who want to help out are welcome to attend any Monday meeting or call Hertel at 934-2840.

Kenith Chambers, Troop 644 scoutmaster, has been with the Boy Scouts for 39 years, beginning when he was a Cub Scout.

“I wanted to be involved as a boy because it was fun. I can still remember my first camporee in 1974 because I learned how to tie a bowline and a sheepbend, and our troop won first place in the knot-tying competition,” he reports.

“As an adult, I wanted to be involved because I felt that this organization taught great moral values, leadership skills and perseverance in setting and achieving goals, all while having fun.”

The 20 members meet once or twice a week at their sponsoring organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Township Line Road.

He believes the Boy Scouts have “lasted for 100 years because there have always been adults who are interested in keeping America strong through raising young men who live the Scout Oath” and obey the Scout Law.

“A boy learns confidence, leadership and how to give service with a smile.” They participate in various activities during the year, including camping, hiking, biking, swimming and earning badges.

“Scouts also give service to the community, such as painting the bridge in Oldenburg, collecting hygiene kits for Safe Passage and hosting a community rocket car survivor challenge event.”

In addition, “boys ages 12-14 participate in an exciting weeklong camp each summer, while the older boys, up to age 18, have a high adventure activity, such as whitewater rafting, backpacking trips or wilderness survival camps.”

For more information, persons can contact Chambers at 933-5555 or chambek@gmail.com.



SCOUT’S VIEW

- Ben Hertel, son of Bill and Bonnie Hertel, Batesville, and a Troop 634 member, has been involved for 12 years. He joined because “it was a fun thing to do, and I just wanted to see how it was, and I enjoy camping.” He remembers the summer camps which are “normally a lot of fun and backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico.” The 17-year-old encourages others to join because it’s “a really good experience and teaches you leadership qualities that help you out in the real world.”