By Justin Sargent
BSA Troops 127 and 7127
Answering the call to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the scouts of Troop 127 (boys) and Troop 7127 (girls) suspended cabin outings and in-person meetings. Like any group that enjoys a strong social and community spirit, it has been challenging. But scouts are adaptive in the pursuit of their ideals and interest in doing things, so we have grown and changed to meet the challenges needed to keep us safe and healthy.
Our scouts meet weekly via Zoom, challenging each other to do good deeds and working remotely on a variety of activities and interests. We even participated in a national virtual campout with scouts across the country. BSA had a number of impressive speakers — such as an astronaut, a famous chef and a workout expert — who live-streamed presentations to the scout’s digital devices in backyard tents across the country. Our scouts also shared favorite camping stories, discussed the meals they made for their backyard campout, and strengthened friendships. While it was not the same experience as our traditional campouts, it was a great bonding experience for youth and adult leaders alike.
If you are a parent of a school-age child, you know the challenge of keeping your child focused on academics when the daily structure of school life is absent. We have been encouraging our scouts to continue a strong academic emphasis as part of their scouting values.
Our scouts are even able to participate in merit badge experiences remotely. A number of them are participating in merit badges sponsored by leaders all over the country.
We are also fortunate to have volunteers right here offering merit badges via Zoom meetings. Wendy Murkve, a longtime Northsider and dedicated scouter, is offering the Genealogy Merit Badge to our scouts. What better time to take a deeper look at your family’s roots? It provides a framework for scouts to reach out to grandparents and relatives, which is a welcome connection in this time of social distancing. It also lets our scouts explore the challenges, tragedies and triumphs experienced by previous generations.
Our scouts would like to thank those adults who volunteer their time to offer opportunities to grow and explore interesting and helpful activities.
We hope health efforts and modifications will allow camping to resume. Summer camp especially is a memorable experience our scouts really enjoy. We are still planning to spend July 26‒Aug. 1 camping at the Ed Bryant Scout Reserve on the Wisconsin River’s Castle Rock Lake.
Provided it is safe to participate, youth ages 11‒17 are welcome to join the fun. Camp activities include canoeing, metal forging, ATVs, astronomy and many more adventures.
Do you know a youth in at least sixth grade who needs a break from video games and would enjoy fun adventuring in the outdoors? We are an active and inclusive group that offers amazing opportunities for character growth and life-building experiences. It is a perfect time to join us. To get involved today or for more information, contact Troop 127 Scoutmaster Justin Sargent at 608-220-2342 or justinssargent@gmail.com.