At its onset six years ago, the troop’s activities included regular meetings and nearby day trips. Over the years, activities have expanded to include weekend campouts, fishing excursions, merit badge training, “leave no trace” hikes, voluntary community service, raising money for local charities, and a variety of other Boy Scout-sponsored activities.
In June 2014, Troop 112 began the tradition of a week-long campout where they traveled to ‘Bend of the River’ State Park, camped for two nights and completed a six-mile hike for scout advancement. They then continued on to Enchanted Rock State Park where they camped for the remainder of the week, participating in various activities to provide the scouts with merit badge and advancement in rank opportunities. In June 2015, the troop traveled to Palo Duro Canyon State Park for the week-long adventure. The highlight of this trip was a 10-mile hike to a remote campsite where the scouts spent the night with only the provisions they carried on their backs.
To date, the troop has seen 48 scouts come through the program, usually with 10 scouts at any given time. To join the troop, a prospective scout is typically referred by their supervising probation officer and must show interest in the program. Prior to becoming an active member, they must attend at least two regular meetings and an outing. After demonstrating a willingness to adhere to the standards expected of a scout and a spirit of cooperation, they become an official member. Should they desire, scouts have the option to continue in the troop upon completion of supervision. Many scouts have chosen to remain.
Fundraisers to “Back the Pack” are common place in the Bell County department to raise money and support to offset the cost of operations. In these fundraisers, the Scouts plan, prepare and deliver “concession stand-type” food items for sale. These fundraisers have proven to be very successful. To continue the spirit of giving, the troop sponsors “The Pack Gives Back” activities. From the funds they have raised, the troop makes monetary donations to worthy causes such as the Awareness and Prevention of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. Last October, the Wolverines held a fundraiser in conjunction with a local business (Spirit Halloween), and donated all of the proceeds to McLane Children’s Hospital to help make hospitals a little less scary for kids and their families.
Back in 2009, other Boy Scout troops and council members were a bit weary when they would see Troop 112 arrive at events, not certain what to expect. Today, it is not uncommon for the Troop to receive high praise and recognition, such as “Best Camp Site” and other accolades, from the Boy Scout organization and other troops when they attend events. The troop attended the Spring 2014 Boy Scout Longhorn Council “Camp-O-Ree” and won the Silver Shovel Award by finishing First Place in a weekend competition of scouting-based skills against 10 other troops in the council. A responsibility of the Silver Shovel winner is to host the event the following year. In March 2015, Troop 112 did just that, receiving rave reviews from the Longhorn Council and other troops who participated and finishing in second place. Also in 2014, the Troop was the recipient of the “Gold Journey to Excellence” award after having met the required criteria. The goal established by the Troop at the beginning of the year was to achieve the bronze award, which they overwhelmingly surpassed.
Two very special scouts are Matthew and Jerry, who are two original members who joined in 2009. Both have made incredible advancement throughout their scouting career. Each is currently classified as Scout: First Class. In April 2015, both successfully completed the “Order of the Arrow Ordeal,” which is a major milestone towards achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
PHOTO: (Left to right) TJJD Board Chair Scott Fisher, TJJD Executive Director David Reilly, Scout Matthew, Scout Jerry, Scout Master Monico Monroe, Assistant Scout Master Joey Cummings, Bell County Chief Probation Officer Susan Humphrey, TJJD Senior Director James Williams.