February 7th 1997

Editor: Thomas Jonak
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The Founding of the Scouts

By Sean McConnell

Today, February 8th, should hold a special place in the hearts of Devon 50's youth. This evening while our troop celebrates its own special 70th Anniversary Banquet another anniversary is at hand. Today is the 87th Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. For almost 90 years this remarkable program has helped strengthen and shape the lives of America's boys. They have hiked countless miles, explored mountains and caves, tied knots, gone sailing and developed a reverence for nature and the Native American ways. They have also performed in emergency situations, learned discipline and morals and have grown up to be the patriotic citizens who lead this proud country.

For many of us here this evening it may seem almost impossible to imagine this country without the scouting program. However it was simply a random good turn performed by an early British Scout that helped bring scouting to America.

As the story goes it was in London in 1909 when William D. Boyce, an American visitor lost his way in a dense fog. Boyce, while trying hopelessly to orient himself, was approached by a boy who asked if he was in need of assistance. Boyce explained his predicament and the boy gladly escorted him to his destination. Upon arriving there Boyce produced from his pocket a tip but the boy refused it, saying "No thank you scout, I need no reward for doing a good deed."

So impressed was Boyce that after finishing his errands he had the boy taken to the British scouting Office where he spoke to the Lord Robert Baden Powell and found out all about Scouting. He was so amazed that on February 8th 1910, when he returned to the States, he and a group of outstanding leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America.

Elk Mountain

By Thomas Jonak

This past weekend the Devon 50 Boy Scouts ventured into the Poconos to go skiing for the Annual Elk Mountain Ski Trip. On Friday the Scouts arrived at camp Jarvis and loaded their gear into the patrol drivers' car. They then headed north. After the long car ride in a snow blizzard they arrived at their destination. After unloading their numerous supplies onto tables in the halfway house they all sat down to watch a movie. (a traditional Devon50 scout way of relaxing!).

That morning, after surviving the chorus of parental snores throughout the night, we got up before sunrise and slipped down the mountain to the main lodge to get our first meal of the day. After sorting out the technicalities of wrestling for our ski equipment we got our lift tickets and headed for the slopes. For the rest of the day we enjoyed falling and showing off our skiing abilities. After a day of personal injuries we tucked ourselves in at the halfway house and watched another movie!

At the end of two days of skiing we were all aching and were ready to go home for a hot shower. Next year I hope more scouts will go on this trip.

Up-Coming Events

Written By Ben Marlow and Edited by Craig Mackie

It is the event of the scout year. Patrols from all around the troop will gather on the murky and infamous field of Camp Jarvis. The patrols will be scheduled to have a grueling weekend of competition. Every Patrol will be working on their own. Pitching camp, cooking food, and lashing logs together will be only a few of the death defying events. Each patrol will bring their pyrotechnician to build the winning fire.

This new event will be taken to Valley Forge for the evening. The patrols will be directing themselves through the darkness with only the aid of a compass and directions that Mr. Dunn created. Watch out for the cliff he forgot to mention! This event shall be a place where the patrols will show their skills to help gain the gargantuan amount of points this cool event offers. Hope to see all the scouts out there to see who has the biggest match and greatest skills with knots and so on.

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