(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea heard from members of Boy Scout Troop 425. Scoutmaster Scott Peterson introduced Committee Chair Tom Hood, Assistant Scoutmaster Landen Schipul, and Senior Patrol Leader Aiden Negus.
Aiden spoke about the scouts’ visit to the Boy Scout Jamboree, a 10-day camp held this year in West Virginia, open to all scouts nationwide. Chelsea’s Troop 425 drove to Ohio to join with another troop for a 6-hour bus ride to West Virginia. There they set up their tents in strict scout fashion, perfectly lined up 1 to 2 feet apart. They enjoyed activities not usually available to them, like white water rafting and mountain biking. They got to see a grizzly bear, and endured 102 degree weather.
Landon recently became the 96th Eagle Scout in history from Troop 425. His Eagle project was building two dugouts at a Stockbridge ball field. He met a challenge, finding a five-and-a-half-foot boulder during excavation. Now they have a rock similar to the painted one at Pierce Park.
Committee Chair Tom Hood really enjoyed helping Kiwanis by selling popcorn and drinks all along the stands at Chelsea Community Fair. The troop works the first two nights of the fair during the demolition derbies. He reported that while scouting has long been an excellent and proven way for scouts to build character, learn new skills, and enjoy camaraderie with each other, many youth are not taking advantage of the experience.
Kiwanis has long supported the value of participation in scouting and encourages families to seek out this experience for their children.