Submitted by Dave Smith
NORTH FORK – Scout Troop 357 has been providing a program for young people that builds character, teaches responsibility and offers educational activities since 1950.
As the Boy Scouts of America marks its 104th anniversary helping to build the future leaders of the nation, Troop 357 celebrates its own 40 year milestone in North Fork.
The troop was first chartered as Troop 357 in February 1950, having first begun as Troop 57 prior to that date.
Although the troop began over 64 years ago, it has been in operation without a break in registration for the past 40 years.
On Feb. 24, the Scouts gathered for a Court of Honor awards dinner. Following the pot luck dinner, a special cake commemorating the 40th anniversary was unveiled. During the awards program, several of the Scouts received recognition for their advancements over the past months. They spent part of the meeting discussing summer camp and upcoming activities.
The weekend of Mar. 15 and 16, Troop 357 traveled to Morro Bay, where the weekend weather turned out to be some of the nicest anyone could ask for.
After setting up camp at Morro Bay State Park, the Scouts traveled to Montana de Oro State Park to visit tide pools and enjoy the beach. The evening was spent back at the campground where everyone practiced camping and cooking.
After breaking camp Sunday morning, the Scouts spent the remainder of the day at the beach by Morro Rock before returning to North Fork that evening.
In April, the Scouts head to Magic Mountain.
Boys between the ages of 10 ½ and going into the 6th Grade, or age 11 through 17, are eligible to become Scouts. If you know of a young man who would benefit from being part of Scouting, get more information on the North Fork troop by contacting Dave Smith, Scoutmaster, at 559-877-2186.
Merit Badge Recipients:
Jeremiah Stott: Tenderfoot
Jeremiah Stott: 1st Aid Merit Badge
Home Repairs Merit Badge
Hunter Ahrens: 2nd Class
Hunter Ahrens: Gardening Merit Badge
1st Aid Merit Badge
Johnny Alsup: 1st Aid Merit Badge
Josh Barba: 1st Aid Merit Badge
Isaiah Gibson: 1st Aid Merit Badge
Kai Hansen: 1st Aid Merit Badge
Josh Johnson: 1st Aid Merit Badge
Nick Roland: 1st Aid Merit Badge
Chris Stuber 1st Aid Merit Badge
“A number of the Scouts are now beginning work on the Family Life Merit Badge,” says Scoutmaster Dave Smith. “Soon we will be starting work on the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge.”
