Base scoutmaster recognized, troop preps for camp

  • Published
  • By Gwenn McElwee
  • 97th Training Squadron
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Altus Air Force Base Boy Scout Troop 212 Scoutmaster, Maj. Rich Weaver, is the 2006 Boy Scout Leader of the Year for the Kickingbird District of the Last Frontier Council, Oklahoma. He was presented the award at the annual district banquet.

During the year, Major Weaver attended summer camp in Colorado and a district camporee in Hobart, Okla., with the troop. Since he became the Scoutmaster in August, the troop has participated in three service projects, including Harvest for the Hungry, Veterans of Foreign Wars, "camped out" inside a C-17 and held it's first youth-led six month planning session.

Major Weaver said that he was completely surprised since he had no idea that he had even been considered for the honor.

Troop 212 is preparing for a Red Cross fund raiser by learning how to administer first aid. In March, the troop will attend a tri-district camporee at Camp George Thomas, Okla., where they will compete in tracking and signaling, first aid, orienteering, cooking and marksmenship events. In April and May, the troop will focus on sports that include marksmanship and golfing, and a camping trip to Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, Texas.

"Next summer, Troop 212 will travel to New Mexico to Camp Tres Ritos for a one week summer camp," Major Weaver said. "Camp is a great opportunity to travel and learn teamwork and new skills."

Because the camp is located at 8,900 feet above sea level, it will be a nice cool break during the heat of the Oklahoma summer, he added. At camp, boy scouts participate in climbing and rappelling, pioneering, forestry, rifle marksmenship, archery and fishing merit badge courses. More than 32 merit badge courses are offered.

Camp is a great opportunity to travel and learn teamwork and new skills," Major Weaver said.
If you are interested in joining Troop 212, weekly meetings are held at the Freedom Community Center at 6:30 PM on Monday nights. For more information call Major Weaver at 481-1402.

New scouts have the opportunity to gain their Tenderfoot badge while at summer camp.