The Selma Times-Journal

The Boy Scouts of America is alive and well in Selma.

As Scouting worldwide celebrates 100 years since its founding in England in 1907, the troops in Selma and Dallas County are preparing to begin another activity-filled year for boys age 11 and up.

Though Scouts are registered on an annual basis, troop activity typically slows down after the summer camp season until the school year starts back and the recruiting season begins. Area troops recently completed summer camp sessions at Camp Tukabatchee on the Warner Scout Reservation, which wound up its 2007 four-week season earlier this month.

Crane District Executive Leith Wilson is gearing up for the upcoming recruitment period.

“We will have School Night for Scouting and open houses beginning in August and September,” says Wilson. “Our goal is to visit every elementary school in the district, hoping to attract all boys and their parents.”

While camping and outdoor activities remain a big part of Scouting, boys grow up to be young men quickly as they learn the art of leadership and teamwork in the troop, district, and council activities.

Becoming leaders is a big part of the program at Troop 26 at Church Street United Methodist Church, Selma’s oldest, continuously chartered troop currently at 65 years and counting. Other Dallas County troops include Troop 34 at Five Points Elementary, Troop 46 at First Presbyterian Church, Troop 86 at Selma Christian Ministries, and Troop 126 at Memorial Methodist Church.

The Scouts spend much of their time training and learning to take responsibility for running their troop meetings, scheduling their advancement and camping sessions and selecting service projects.

In completing these type activities, Scouts complete a series of rigid requirements that lead from the rank of Tenderfoot all the way to Scouting’s highest rank – Eagle Scout. Along the way, boys learn a variety of skills and crafts while earning merit badges required for advancement. Eagle Scout candidates must also complete a service project for the benefit of a school, religious or community organization while serving in a leadership capacity for the project.

As the recruiting season starts this fall, boys ages 11-18 are invited to join, and adult leadership candidates are encouraged to participate, too.

For more information or questions, contact the Boy Scout office in Selma at 872-3137.