Scouts moving in more ways than one

In June, local Scouting America Troop 25 completed the legendary “Philmont Adventure,” a high-adventure backpacking trek that spanned more than 60 miles in eight days, with more than 11,000 feet of elevation change. Over the past two years, these Scouts held numerous fundraisers to pay their own way, curated backpacking gear, trained with several “prep trips” to ascertain the use and quality of their equipment and hone their skills, and conducted endless “pack checks.” This was a marked turn for the Scouts of Custer. 
Scouts have always been very involved in community events such as the Volksmarch, parades, Scouting for Food (gathering about 1,000-2,000 pounds of food for our local food banks), tree planting, and placing flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day Weekend, just to name a few.
Recently, the Scouts have become much more involved with high adventure activities, such as backpacking, sailing, fishing, hiking, geocaching and next year, a trip to the national jamboree.
“We as a troop have wanted to do more high adventure activities, and so plans have become a reality,” said the group’s senior patrol leader.
After more than 10 years of Monday night meetings at the Custer County Fire Hall, the Scouts are changing their digs.
After checking around town, the Troop  has announced Custer Search and Rescue (SAR) has opened its doors to allow the Scouts to meet on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m.
“We are very grateful to the fire department for the long-standing use of their building, as well as Custer SAR’s offer for the space,” said Chuck Ferraro, assistant Scoutmaster. 
Connecting the Scouts with SAR blends well for both. Search and Rescue strives to educate the public on wilderness safety, and Scouting has a strong emphasis on the same. 
Troop 25 is recruiting boys and girls aged 11-17, so that they too can learn  lifelong skills, travel the state and country, and help our community in a variety of different ways. Eagle Scout is the highest rank one can earn in Scouting. 
Did you know that earning the rank of Eagle holds the same weight as an associate’s degree in many jobs and the military?
If you are interested in joining Scouting, visit beascout.org.