Altus AFB Scout Troop 212 at it again

  • Published
  • By by Maj. Rick Weaver
  • 97th Operations Group
ALTUS AFB -- --  It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. Nine Altus Airmen led 19 base youth in doing just that. 

Scoutmaster, Maj. Rich Weaver, and Assistant Scoutmaster, Master Sgt. Stan Knutelski have developed a model Scouting program in which the youth leaders plan, execute and critique their own activities. According to Major Weaver, "The Scouts enjoy the program more when they decide what the troop will do and where it will go. They learn more when they run the program and discuss what could have been done better among themselves afterwards." Sergeant Knutelski adds, "Of course, all of the activities are approved by the adult leaders, and all are done with the Scout Oath and Law in mind." The Scout Oath and Law are ideals that Scouts learn to live by through the Scouting program and are very similar to our very own Air Force Core Values. Newly minted Assistant Scoutmasters, Capt. Mark Slate and Tech. Sgt. Rich McAdams agree, "This is why Scouting is such a great program. It doesn't just give the guys something to do, but it instills them with principles and ideals to live by." 

This year the Scouts chose to spend their one week summer camp high in the mountains of New Mexico. The Camp Tres Ritos base camp is nestled 8,900 feet above sea level with towering peaks on three sides and a view through the meadow on one side and sits along the banks of a winding, trout-filled mountain stream. During the week, ten Scouts from Troop 212 and five Scouts from Hobart's Troop 241 teamed up to design and set up their campsite, cook and clean up all three meals every day, learn new skills, and, most importantly, have fun. Favorite activities included archer, rifle shooting, rock climbing and rappelling on a 60-foot high sheer granite cliff, fly fishing for trout, and air band. 

The camping had its challenges, however, the daily rainfall and hail accompanied by nightly temperatures in the lower 40's taught the young men the importance of good campsite selection, proper tent pitching, and keeping their sleeping bags and clothes dry as well as being prepared for anything by packing the necessary equipment such as rain gear. Despite a few difficulties, the Scouts persevered and grew together as a team. In all, the Troop 212 Scouts earned 18 merit badges and partially completed a dozen others. Additionally, a least six will have met requirements for their next rank advancement in their quest for Eagle Scout by the end of August. All of these accomplishments will be recognized at the troop's court of honor on August 27th. The guest speaker will be the commander of the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Maj. Derek Oliver. 

A special thanks to the following Altus organizations for supporting our equipment needs and summer camp experience: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4876, the Officer's Spouse Club, the Boom Operators Association, the Air Force Sergeant's Association, the NCO Council, the Airman's Council, and the Professional Loadmaster's Association. 

Troop 212 welcomes any young men ages 11 to 17 to join its ranks. We have active outdoor, service and leadership programs based on the twelve points of the Scout Law: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. The last weekend of September, the troop will attend the state-wide Last Frontier Council Camporee in Lawton where over 5,000 Scouts are expected to gather. "This would be a great time to come check out the troop," said to Major Weaver. The camporee will offer 27 merit badges such as backpacking, camping, climbing, fly fishing, music, veterinary medicine and wilderness survival. If you have questions or would like to check out our troop please call Sergeant Knutelski at 482-0343 or Major Weaver at 379-4173. 

Troop 212 members: 

Senior Patrol Leader - Steven Bautista

Staff - Kale Knutelski, Trey Mitchell

Desert Patrol - Michael Haberman (Patrol Leader), R.J. Weaver, Keenan Knutelski, T.J. McAdams, Brandon Barnes, Matthew Slate, Joseph Mazzara, Nic George, Jeremiah Brown