Building Confidence, One Adventure At A Time

Local Boy, Girl Scout Troops Merge, Start New Year

Editor’s note: The following story was submitted on behalf of Scout Troop 292 and Pack 29.

Amid laughter and teenagers horsing around on a warm June day, Kevin Dunlop instructed Scouts on the nuances of rescuing a swamped canoe.

“You’ll have to work as a team to hoist the swamped canoe perpendicular to the other canoe.”

Slowly but surely, two Scouts lifted the swamped canoe from the water and flipped it onto the canoe occupied by two other Scouts. Together, the team of four righted the canoe and launched it back into the water at Carvins Cove in Roanoke, successfully completing one of the final requirements for the Canoeing Merit Badge.

That day, all eight Scouts earned the Canoeing Merit Badge after demonstrating knowledge of water safety, paddling techniques, rescue skills, and treatment for illnesses and injuries such as dehydration, heat-related illness, and cold-water shock. They also learned how to safely rescue a conscious swimmer and recover a swamped canoe in deep water.

“Before today, I was unsure how we were going to get back into the canoe from deep water,” said Vivienne King. “But I actually did it and it was fun!”

Dunlop, who serves as the Scout High Adventure leader, encourages Scouts to end each outing by reflecting over a snack on one thing they enjoyed, one thing they would change, and one thing they could do differently next time.

“The answers range from slightly silly to very thoughtful,” Dunlop said, “but it’s always important that each person has a chance to speak openly.”

Those moments of reflection are just one example of how Scouting aims to build confidence alongside outdoor skills.

In 2018, the organization began welcoming girls into its older youth programs. Today, the organization — now known as Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America —includes both boys and girls in troops across the country.

Locally, Troop 29, which has served Rockbridge County since 1938, partnered with the newly established girls’ Troop 92. The two troops shared meetings, activities, and campouts for several years before officially merging this summer to become a family unit, now identified as Troop 292.

Youth protection is central to every Scouting activity. Adult volunteers complete extensive youth protection training, and safeguards such as two-deep leadership, the buddy system, and policies designed to prevent one-on-one interactions between adults and youth are strictly enforced. Scouts themselves play an active role in maintaining a safe environment.

“I know that if I need to walk somewhere during a Scout activity or summer camp, I always bring another Scout with me,” said Harry Loughhead. “It’s become such a natural habit that I don’t even think twice about it, and it’s a value that Lily Felty and I, as den chiefs, model for the Cub Scouts.”

While outdoor adventure remains a hallmark of Scouting, today’s Scouts have opportunities to explore an extraordinary range of interests. In addition to camping, backpacking, canoeing, and wilderness survival, Scouts can earn merit badges in subjects such as coding, moviemaking, sustainability, robotics, entrepreneurship, and veterinary medicine.

There are more than 140 merit badges available. To earn Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout, a Scout must complete 21 merit badges, including 14 specifically required badges that emphasize leadership, citizenship, personal fitness, camping, and other core life skills. Community service is also integrated into the Scout curriculum. This past summer amongst other service opportunities, Scouts have helped with the Mobile Food Pantry in connection with the Rockbridge Area Relief Association and Campus Kitchen at Washington and Lee and will again assist with parking at the Palmer Ice Cream Supper.

“But it’s not all focused on volunteering and merit badges,” said Bryan Secoy, past Scoutmaster and current first-year coordinator. “We make sure plenty of time is built in simply to have fun together. Two years ago, we camped near Norfolk Naval Station and observed aircraft carriers and toured the USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and USS Washington (SSN 787). It was incredible to visit an operating submarine and destroyer. This year, we’re planning an overnight winter trip to a climbing gym in Roanoke, along with numerous other camping weekends.”

Troop 292 includes youth with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Some love camping and backpacking, while others are drawn to STEM activities, community service, leadership opportunities, or simply spending time with friends. No prior outdoor experience is necessary.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about Scouts — what we do and who can join,” said Emily King, a parent of two Scouts. “One misconception is that you have to be a particular religion. That’s not true. Scouting creates space for many different faith traditions, which is something that’s really important to our family. My husband and I weren’t particularly outdoorsy, so we wanted our girls to have the opportunity to learn from people who were. In turn, we’ve learned a lot through the program ourselves. Thanks to the friends we’ve made, we’ve had experiences that we would never have had on our own. It’s been a real win-win.”

One of the hallmarks of the program is that youth lead youth. Scouts elect their own leaders each year, giving those who are interested an opportunity to develop leadership skills while serving their fellow Scouts.

Troop 292 welcomes youth entering grades 6–12 and invites interested families to attend its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 123 W. Washington Street in Lexington. Troop 292 meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Pack 29, which serves youth in grades K–5, will hold its first meeting on Monday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m., also at Grace Episcopal Church. Pack 29 regularly meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about Pack 29 or Troop 292, visit http://bsalexingtonva.org or contact Ian Felty at [email protected]. Questions about Troop 292 may be directed to bryanjsecoy@ gmail.com.