Scout BSA Troop 96 honored five of its members, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, beginning shortly after 6:00 p.m., at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. Four-of-five boys were present to have their achievements in merit badges and ranks recognized. Supporters watched these accomplishments: parents, grandparents, and siblings; Troop leadership; three sponsors from The American Legion; two Prophetstown, IL, Webelos Scouts–who hold the rank of Arrow of Light–and their accompanying adults.
Left-to-right are Scout Master Eric Anderson; Troop Leader Augie Ufkin; Boy Scouts; The American Legion representatives, Barry Linder, Ken Petersen, and Post Commander Larry Zuidema.
Badges earned since September 2023 were announced and presented to each boy by Advancement Coordinator Taylor Ufkin. She noted everyone earned the Church Sunday event patch, for helping with Methodist Church services on Scout Sunday, February 4.
Life Scout Oliver Anderson was absent, but his merit badges were noted. He had achieved the Life rank, too, which is the final Rank before reaching Eagle Scout. Scouts who received merit badges are shown left-to right:
1. Tenderfoot Alexander Weston–Citizenship in Society and Digital Technology
2. Tenderfoot Isaac Blevins–Citizenship in Society and Citizenship in the World; Pets; Dog Care; Environmental Science; Communications; Graphic Arts; Truck Transportation; Traffic Safety; Stamp Collecting and Coin Collecting; Family Life; Scouting Heritage; Search and Rescue
3. Life Scout Caleb Bramm–Camping; Digital Technology; Citizenship in Society; Search and Rescue; Life Scout rank
4. First Class Scout Noah Icenogle–Farm Mechanics; Citizenship in the World.
Augie Ufkin listed numerous activities and adventures the troop experienced since September. Some included a barge trip; a lock-in; fundraisers at Culver’s and Pizza Ranch; camping; an actual, Coast Guard Search and Rescue operation.
Ufkin explained the new Friends of Scouting (FOS) initiative, to support Scouting programs in Morrison, Whiteside County, and regionally. There are tiered donation levels. He noted, last year the Troop amassed “135 service hours and 90 nights camped under stars.”
In June the young men will experience the farthest camping destination Troop 96 has ever taken: Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch in Custer, SD. Prophetstown Boy Scouts will be included.
Cub Scout Pack 328 Leader Marshall Blevins reported on the vehicle Boy Scouts will use. “Van work has commenced.” At this time, however, “there are no tires, no brakes, or shocks.”
Perhaps Noah Icenogle could apply the skills he acquired, while earning the Farm Machinery merit badge.