Philmont 2024

We’ve all heard the old cliché:  “Boys will be boys.”  It is often said with a hint of negativity. I believe, “Boys will be men” if we provide them with the right example, motivation, education and training.  We have a head start in that critical task here in the Huntsdale Community because of a tried and tested asset with more than 70 years of experience providing that example, motivation, education and training on a weekly basis:  Boy Scout Troop 185. 

Troop 185 not only believes in, but has been helping its members LIVE the Scout Law since its establishment in 1950.  The boys are growing into men by embodying the Scout Law of being:  Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent – in their homes, their schools, their churches, their community, and their country. They have staffed and run kiddie land games at the Fireman’s Fair; assisted veterans at Memorial Services; participated in the Toys for Tots drive; assisted private senior citizens with special projects; installed walkways at churches – just to name a few.

Why am I telling you this?  Because WE now have a very special opportunity to say THANK YOU and to provide a unique and very special tool to facilitate their growth into men.  The world-renowned Philmont Scout Ranch in Northeastern New Mexico is the epitome of that opportunity and tool for helping boys become men.  It is such a sought after opportunity that a local Scout Troop can only go there if they literally win a place in the annual lottery.  Our local Troop 185 has been offered that opportunity for a week in the Summer of 2024!  Eleven boys and four leaders have stated their desire to go and are already hard at work to raise the necessary funds – and will continue to do so during the next year and a half.  But the expense (not just for Philmont, but the necessary travel to get there), is formidable.  Our Scouts need YOU to help make this dream a reality next year.

These are committed and dedicated boys growing into committed and dedicated young men.  Many are well on their way to becoming Eagle Scouts. Scouts have become leaders in communities throughout our nation, including in our own community, where all Penn Township supervisors were or are active members of the Troop, and the president, fire chief, assistant fire chief and emergency management coordinator for the township are all Eagle Scouts.  Please help our current Scouts become tomorrow’s leaders.  The total costs are estimated at $40,000.  I respectfully ask you to make a tax-deductible contribution of $100, more if you can, to the Huntsdale Area Scouting Auxiliary.  (Donations can be mailed to PO Box 70, Walnut Bottom, PA 17266).  Our Scouts and I would be most grateful as they continue to live their Scout Oath to “… do my best, to do my duty to God and my country … to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight”.  And, to make you proud.  Thank you.