By Alana Moehring Mallard
Scouts from Troops 410 and 2019 and from Pack 55 reported to the congregation of The Church at Highland Park this month on their activities throughout the last year. Scouts also handed out worship bulletins, collected the offering, and raised money for camp activities with a bake sale.
Senior Patrol Leader Wyatt Cook of Troop 410 greeted the congregation and pastors with thanks for space for weekly meetings and scouting events. “Each week at our meetings, we work together to teach our younger Scouts the essential skills they’ll need for our camp-outs and adventures,” he said. “On behalf of Troop 410 I want to extend our deepest thanks for all you’ve done for us. We look forward to many more years of partnership and growth.”
Wyatt reported on Troop 410’s monthly camp-outs, including a rock climbing trip to Enchanted Rock. Summer trips included Gorham Scout Ranch in New Mexico and sailing in the Caribbean at Seabase, and scouts are preparing now, Wyatt said, for Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and hiking 60 miles over the course of 12 days.
Eight Troop 410 Scouts achieved the Eagle rank this year, and 17 Life Scouts are currently working toward Eagle rank.
Troop Guide and past Senior Patrol Leader Liberty Mitchell of Troop 2019 reported on her troop’s activities this year, including that three scouts are working to achieve the rank of Eagle.
This summer Troop 2019 took its first high adventure Philmont Cavalcade trek, riding horses through the mountains, rain or shine. In January Troop 2019 camped in South Llano River State Park and in Big Bend’s Chisos Basin.
This summer’s adventures will include a trip to West Virginia, Liberty said, to camp and explore opportunities at Summit Bechtel High Adventure Scout Reserve.
“We are forever and always grateful for the support you provide to us,” Liberty told the congregation during her report. “On behalf of Troop 2019, thank you. I would also like to personally thank the church. A little over six years ago, I decided to start my own troop for girls. If it wasn’t for the support that The Church at Highland Park provided since day one, our troop full of these amazing girls would never have accomplished as much.”
Pack 55 scouts went to Enchanted Rock and Moody Gardens Aquarium this year, Cubmaster Chris Ulack told the congregation, and the 40 or so cubs of Pack 55 will compete in their Pinewood Derby Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Cubs are in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The Church at Highland Park chartered Troop 410 almost 70 years ago and added Troop 2019 to the charter in 2019.
