I want to talk about our youth in Gonzales, and a part of it I'm involved in. I'm scoutmaster for Troop 262 here in Gonzales. I've been involved in scouting now for about 7 years, starting out in Cub Scouts and took over Troop 262 about 3 years ago when the previous scoutmaster stepped down.
About 8 months ago a group of boys came to me and asked what it would take to get a Venturing unit started here in Gonzales. To the best of my knowledge, the only other Crew (Scouters have Troops, Venturing have Crews) in this area is in Lockhart. We set out to find a sponsoring organization, and after a bit of a search the BPO Elks stepped up to become the units sponsors.
Saturday, after the Elks put on a dedication to the US Flag, they will be signing the paperwork to start the unit officially. John DuBose Jr will be signing the agreement between Capitol Area Council and the Elks for the Venturing Crew 264.
Venturing is a bit unique in Boy Scouts in that it is open to all boys and girls age 14 - 21. Unlike Boy Scouts, it's not so much about rank and badges, as the leadership and planning for activities that the participants decide they want to do. If they want to go camping, then they figure out how, how much, and make it happen. The adult leadership is more to keep them in bounds and make sure that they have all the training and equipment they might need to for safe activities.
So Gonzales is pretty blessed with an outstanding Scouting environment. For the boys we have Cub Scouts Pack 261, starting at 1st grade and going till 5th grade, Boy Scouts Troops 262 and Troop 263, going from 6th grade - 18 y/o, and now Venturing Crew 264 from 14 y/o - 21 y/o.
For the Girls Scouts I believe they go from Kindergarten - 18 y/o. I was recently at their banquet and can tell you that they too have a thriving organization here in Gonzales.
Scouting teaches these kids leadership skills and exposes them a wide variety of activities that they might not otherwise be exposed to. Right now Troop 262 has 2 boys at National Youth Leadership Training, learning CEO type training so they will be able to come back and run the troop.
Next week we'll be on our annual summer camp. 20 boys with a dozen adults will be camping. The boys will be learning about Environmental Science, First Aid, Cooking, Leatherworks, Rowing, Space Exploration, Knots, Tracking, Indian Folklore, and several other topics.
If you're interested in getting involved in Scouting, either as a Boy Scout or Venturer email info@trp262.com and we will get you in touch with someone. Let us know which (or both) group you're interested in.
God Bless
Dennis
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