When our church announced its intention to discontinue participation in scouts two years ago, many troops essentially ended their participation immediately. However, our troop committed to helping as many boys as possible advance to the rank of Eagle. It's been a sprint to the finish. On Wednesday, our troop held its last court of honor. Gibson received a stack of merit badges and advanced to the rank of Life Scout.
The troop leaders were expecting a traditional court of honor, but Brandan planned a special event to honor some fantastic leaders who have led the troop for decades. Four of the leaders have already received scouting's highest award, the silver beaver, for their service. As a special tribute, Brandan presented them with dutch ovens that were engraved with their names and dates of service. In the photo are Brandan, Andy and Bob. Pam and Sarge aren't in the photo, but also received dutch ovens.
Andy also was awarded a pin for 50 years of service in scouting. He actually served 51 years. He meant to retire after 50 years, but when the church made the announcement, he decided to stick with scouting until the end. This is a photo of Andy and Willie. Service is their way of life.
Willie and members of the ward council made an effort to contact all the eagle scouts whose names are on the plaques hanging in our church building and invite them to the court of honor. Many of them came, including 4 men who were in Andy's original group of scouts. They are grandfathers now.
This is a photo of Gibson retiring the flag for troop 102 for the last time.
Due to his age, it was not possible for Gibson to earn his Eagle this year, but he got very close. He'll join a community troop and finish soon.
On Friday, Gib met with a city official to talk about a possible Eagle project. The city owns a replica log cabin that is in disrepair. One of the members of our troop reroofed the cabin for his project. Gibson is looking at renovating the interior of the cabin so school groups can use it.
This is Gibson showing some Christmas spirit while we cleaned the church on Saturday.
This photo represents a joyful noise Sunday morning: the string instruments tuning up while a separate youth choir rehearsed before sacrament meeting. We attended two sacrament meetings today so Helen and Gibson could play and both were lovely, full of beautiful music.
Friday was the kids' last day of school before winter break. Now they are busy making and wrapping presents. Helen made a sign for her door to remind us not to come in her room.
