Mason Keith, age 15, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program. He is a member of Troop 224, chartered to Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church in Chickamauga, under the direction of current Scoutmaster Don Gregg. Mason demonstrated leadership to others in a service project that benefitted a local community agency. He and his helpers built and installed a wooden storage box for children’s toys, and two wooden bench seats to be placed on the screened porch and outdoor sitting area at the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center. They also added signage to the security entrance gates at the Center. Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center provides emergency services for victims of family violence as well as outreach services including support groups and referrals for individual counseling. Mason has fond memories of scouting. His favorite is when he attended the Klondike Derby at Skymont Scout Reservation last year. He said it was fun building the sled and, “I enjoyed all the events in the rain and mud!” Mason has said that Scouting can be challenging, but it is always rewarding after you overcome the challenge. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/4/23/486296/Mason-Keith-Earns-Eagle-Scout-Rank.aspx

This weekend Troop 99 was honored to participate in #CleanCatoosa and helped plant some trees and do some erosion control at one of the local parks. "We were excited to work with Girls Cub Scout Pack 3070 & BSA Troop 1070 - Ringgold on these projects," officials said. "As scouts, we are always looking for opportunities where we can give back to our community." Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts Participate In Community Service Projects - Chattanoogan.com

Troop 10, the oldest Boy Scout troop in Cleveland and Bradley County, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in April. The Troop was officially chartered as Troop 10 in 1924 and has served thousands of youth in the community since then. To commemorate this momentous centennial, the troop has scheduled three events to mark its 100 years of service to the Cleveland and Bradley County community. The Scouts will be hosting an open house at the Troop 10 Scout House located behind Broad Street United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 7. The community is invited to visit the open house and see the history of the troop and meet its members. The informal event will begin at noon and will be led by current Scouts showing off their history and many achievements, awards and adventures to open house attendees. Everyone looking for a future in Scouts BSA is especially invited to visit this event and learn about the storied Troop 10. Another event which is open to the public, is a historical display at the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points. This special exhibit of troop artifacts covering the 100 years of Troop 10 will be displayed from April 16 through June 30. Everyone is encouraged to visit the museum and learn about the history and see artifacts that show Boy Scouts throughout the century. The final event to celebrate the anniversary on Saturday, May 11, is the Alumni Picnic at the Greenway Park on Raider Drive. The troop invites any Troop 10 alumni, community leaders and current troop members, parents and volunteers to celebrate with them at this picnic from noon to 2 p.m. An old-fashioned cook-out, Boy Scout-style, will be served along with great fellowship and fun. Sponsored by Broad Street United Methodist Church in 1924, Troop 10 has been led by several successful scoutmasters from the community. Wallets, Bags & More Bellroy The longest running scoutmaster recorded by the troop was William Cecil Stanbery, who proudly led the troop and volunteers for the past 20 years. Stanberry passed away in 2023 and is followed by Shane Coleman as current scoutmaster. There is also a dedicated group of adult volunteers and leaders who work with the Scouts as they advance rank and earn merit badges. Troop 10 has proudly produced more than 140 Eagle Scouts, which is the highest rank achieved in Scouts. Troop 10 is known as a “high adventure” troop, having taken trips throughout the country hiking, backpacking, biking, canoeing and much more. Their members enjoy an adventure each month throughout the year, learning survival and life skills that will serve them for years to come. Also known as a "Scout-led” troop, Troop 10 allows and encourages leadership from the youth as they work together to advance and learn. This teaches the youth responsibility, leadership and a path to success as they learn and grow as young men. As the county’s trailblazer troop, Troop 10 was also the first Boy Scout Troop in Tennessee to have a linked female troop. Known as Troop 1010 The Mighty Riveters, the female troop is an active, successful troop and they enjoy working alongside their male counterparts in Troop 10. The addition of females to Scouts BSA has afforded the other 50% of our nation’s youth the opportunity to take advantage of this great leadership program and its benefits. Having proven their mettle, female troops have produced Eagle Scouts and community and business leaders across the country. Troop 1010 has produced its first female Eagle Scout and the first Eagle in the Cherokee Area Council. Not only is Troop 10 a troop of adventure and leadership, its core purpose stays the same as when it was first formed — community service. The troop has achieved thousands of hours serving Cleveland whether it be through honoring veterans at local events, litter cleanup at the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway or helping seniors with needed projects. As Troop 10 continues its unwavering commitment to community service, organizers encourage the community to support its youth and leaders are they embark on their second century of service to Cleveland and Bradley County.  For more information about Troop 10 or its linked troop, 1010, contact Shannon Ward at shannsupermom@gmail.com.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A group of Chattanooga moms are in the process of forming a new Cub Scout pack for children with special needs. Downside Up Inc. is a nonprofit that provides support for families of children with varying disabilities, and 10 of those children will soon be official Cub Scouts. Theresa Nix, founder and executive director of the nonprofit says it was important that the Cub Scout pack was tailored to the children's specific needs. “A lot of times, we've tried to fit into a dance group or a theater team, or many things that we would love for our kids experience. But it just takes a lot of people to make that happen, or they don't have the resources," says Nix. Nix says many of the children need extra support, whether it be they have mobility issues or issues with going to the restroom. By working alongside the Boy Scouts of America, Downside Inc. will try to ensure that the boys get the ideal cub scout experience. “Sometimes it's with a multitude of them. It is a lot for a group to accommodate those needs. So we could just have that same experience and create it in our own way however the Boy Scouts will allow us . They've been very kind and helpful in that respect," says Nix. Nix’s son Everett has down syndrome and autism. He is the reason why Downside Up was created. She, along with Patty Casey, the scout leader, wanted to create an environment the children could feel like they belong. The 10 boys have different abilities and were already friends. Now they get to move forward in the process of becoming Cub Scouts together. In their first unofficial Cub Scout meeting the group did a trail mix and talked about eating healthy foods. Jared Pickens, CEO of Boy Scouts of America Cherokee Area Council, sent us the following comment: “Our team is truly excited to collaborate with this outstanding community partner. We work hard every day to include more families, especially those from underserved areas and communities, and we are grateful for opportunities like this to work together. We envision a community where everyone can experience meaningful and life changing Scouting programs. Growing access to families of all types is critical to achieving our vision." Nix says that since Downside Up Inc. posted about the Cub Scout pack, parents have also expressed interest in a Girl Scouts group as well.  https://newschannel9.com/news/local/meeting-their-needs-local-non-profit-forming-new-cub-scout-pack-for-special-needs-kids?fbclid=IwAR09jj2obIpQ-v7UoeNaxLMsYuYC0KWQ0VyVvkPdsSb1yKtFjO_U1b23yIM

Former Notre Dame and Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann will be the featured speaker at the 20th annual Friends of Scouting Luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event is at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Theismann guided Washington to a 27-17 comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins at Super Bowl XVII in January 1983. He led Washington back to Super Bowl XVIII but was unsuccessful in a repeat bid against the Los Angeles Raiders. Before compiling a 77-47 record as Washington’s starter during the 1976-85 seasons, Theismann starred for the Fighting Irish, steering them to consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances following the 1969 and 1970 seasons. Theismann finished runner-up to Stanford quarterback Jim Plunkett in the balloting for the 1970 Heisman Trophy, with Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning placing third. In addition to being a Life Scout, Mr. Theismann is known for his long-standing community service efforts as well as ESPN’s critically acclaimed Sunday Night and Monday Night NFL broadcasts. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/feb/08/joe-theismann-set-to-speak-at-annual-scouting/ https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/1/26/481713/NFL-Legend-Joe-Theismann-To-Speak-At.aspx

Luke Sowa has been playing tennis for the last four years. When he's not at school, the sophomore often practices at the Fox Run court on Signal Mountain. "I got into it because my sister, she started playing it before me. I thought it looked fun so then I started playing," he said. Luke is also a member of his local Boy Scouts chapter, Troop 116 on Signal Mountain. In order to advance to an Eagle Scout, members must complete a number of tasks and earn merit badges. They must also complete a service project. When deciding what he wanted to do, Luke thought about the tennis court in his neighborhood. "They're not in very good condition, they have a lot of cracks in them and stuff," he said. He has already started clearing brush, cleaning leaves and trimming nearby trees. But his plans don't stop there. "We're going to pressure wash the whole court, repaint it. Fill in the cracks and replace all the equipment and net," he added. Luke is raising money to help offset the cost through a GoFundMe page . His goal is to raise $2,500 by the end of February to help make the area a nicer and safer place for others. "This community does stuff for you. So you should give back to it. They gave us this court to play on and stuff. They built it for us, so why not repair it and keep it so other people can use it too," he said. Perhaps a reminder, we can all use. If you are interested in helping Luke reach his goal, click HERE ! https://www.local3news.com/local-news/making-a-difference-local-boy-scout-aims-to-clean-up-signal-mountain-tennis-court/article_16f7770c-c757-11ee-8daa-db4e780e9057.html?fbclid=IwAR0agE6QtFZDKradjKqkBK6eI9cw2qsEWgGlGQZuJD_ZVwFlF0YAuLRH9D0 

Chattanooga Police Department's Lt. Kevin Akins recently received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America to recognize his service to today's youth. Akins was a part of the Boy Scouts as a child and began volunteering again when his son became a Boy Scout about six years ago. Akins loves to go camping, sailing, scuba diving, and seeing children prosper. He is also involved in the Sea Scouts with his daughter. The Chattanooga Police Department is honoring Lt. Akins on this prestigious award and had this to say: "We would like to congratulate our very own Lt. Kevin Akins on receiving the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America, in recognition of his distinguished service to youth. While he participated in the organization as youth, Lt. Akins started his participation as an adult volunteer about six years ago after his son transitioned from a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout. He enjoys going on adventures like camping in the backcountry, sailing, scuba diving in exotic locations, and seeing youth accomplish amazing things & becoming good citizens. He and his daughter are also part of the Sea Scouts and he looks forwards to more adventures with her. Congrats Lt. Akins!" https://www.local3news.com/local-news/chattanooga-police-officer-receives-silver-beaver-award-from-boy-scouts-of-america/article_9123efb8-9ab8-11ee-8289-97c87c10e4a9.html

46 Eagle Scout Projects Established Sensory Gardens, Rejuvenated High School Auditoriums And Created Accessibility Structures Across Region. CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE — The Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America hosted hundreds of attendees this year to honor the accomplishments of the 2023 Eagle Scout Class at the annual Gathering of Eagles. The 2023 Eagle Scout Class contributed more than 6,000 hours of service to their local communities through 46 different projects. This Eagle Scout class is especially exciting as it is just the 3 rd in the history of the Cherokee Area Council that includes young women among its recipients. Top awards were given to three youth for Eagle Scout Projects of the year: · Maggi Creel of Cleveland for her project at Cleveland Middle School establishing a Sensory Garden for their Special Needs Classrooms. · Carter Perryman of Chattanooga for his project at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts renovating their Auditorium Stage and Orchestra Pit. · Eisa Eilertson of Sale Creek for her project at Hearts & Hooves Corral creating an accessibility ramp for those with mobility issues to be able to mount horseback. The Cherokee Area Council also awarded the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards to adult Eagle Scout Donnie Hutcherson. This award honors lifetime achievement of Eagle Scouts for their positive actions reflected by accomplishments and devotion to their local community, state, and nation. Kevin Akins, Bill Clegg, Jennifer Strand, and Jim Vaughn received the Silver Beaver Award, given for outstanding volunteerism to the local Council. This dinner served as the Council’s largest, and most important, recognition event for local Scouts and adult volunteers. The event was held on Dec. 7 at the Westin in downtown Chattanooga, the event featured Jed Mescon as Master of Ceremonies with congratulatory remarks from officials from the City of Chattanooga and US Senators Blackburn and Hagerty. About the Cherokee Area Council The Cherokee Area Council has served youth in the greater metro area since 1915. Today the Council serves youth and adults in 11 counties across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Scouting participants enjoy year-round Scouting programs, camps, character building and leadership development activities, civic service, as well as achievement recognition programs. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2023/12/8/479446/Dozens-Of-New-Eagle-Scouts-Honored-For.aspx https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/dozens-of-new-eagle-scouts-honored-for-more-than-6000-hours-of-service/

Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) owns four high-adventure bases in the US. One of these is Sea Base, which is primarily based in southern Florida, with satellite campuses in the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands. This summer, Troop 99 in Ringgold sent a contingent of eight Scouts and leaders on a weeklong high-adventure sailing expedition to Sea Base in the US Virgin Islands. The trip was a “live-aboard” adventure, meaning they slept on the sailboat (the Mahayla), cooked meals on the boat, and even took turns piloting the boat. During the trip, most of their time was spent on the sailboat, but they also had an opportunity to visit multiple of the islands where they hiked among historic ruins. While on the boat, they did many activities including fishing off the side of the boat. They also had several chances to snorkel at the coral reefs, where they were able to swim with the marine life including sea turtles, rays, many types of tropical fish, and even a shark. This summer, the troop also sent a large group of Scouts to a weeklong summer camp experience at Skymont Scout Reservation in central Tennessee. At Skymont, Scouts completed merit badges on many different topics including water sports such as fishing and canoeing, shooting sports like archery and shotgun shooting, trades such as welding and leatherwork, and many others. The troop also completed a service project to clean brush and trees in the campsites as well as cleaned some of the camp facilities. Their service, among other requirements such as program participation, showing Scout spirit, and politeness, earned the troop the coveted Montosky Award. Additionally, the troop participated in the Camp Games where they competed against other troops in games such as a scavenger hunt, shooting games, and fire starting. After compiling all of the scores, Troop 99 finished as the winner of the Camp Games. Scouts BSA Troop 99 is led by Scoutmaster Jonathan Raines. Anyone seeking information about the troop can contact Raines at 540-580-7241 or jraines1976@yahoo.com . Troop 99 is very active, completing numerous community service projects and attending regular camping and outdoor activities (including annual summer camp). The troop is accepting new members; they meet at Ringgold United Methodist Church on most Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Scouts BSA Troop 99 of Ringgold | Lifestyles | northwestgeorgianews.com