Scouts install new flagpole at fire station, plus more inspiring news from the week

The firefighters of Anderson, Missouri, were already showing their American pride by flying a U.S. flag on their truck. But what they really wanted was a flagpole in front of their station.

But they lacked the resources to make it happen, so a local Scouts BSA troop stepped in.

Learn more about the Scouts’ efforts in this story from KSN16 in Joplin, Mo., and in the video below.

New Jersey Scouts complete Baden-Powell hike on trip to D.C.

The Baden-Powell Hike is a 7.2-mile walk around some of the most significant landmarks in Washington, D.C. On their recent trip to D.C., the Scouts of Troop 192 from Wayne, New Jersey, took it a step further, hiking more than 25 miles around our nation’s capital.

The group camped on the outskirts of D.C. every night and took the train in and out of the city every day.

“For some, it was their first time on a subway and taking mass transit – adding to their life experiences as part of Scouting,” says the group’s Scoutmaster. “And when we came back, each day ended with our traditional campfire where the Scouts enjoyed each other’s company and performed skits and songs for entertainment.”

Read more in this story from the TAPintoWayne website.

Eagle Scout candidate’s project provides shelter for neighborhood dogs …

Providing shelter for dogs that stay outdoors isn’t a luxury. In many areas, it’s required by law.

In Royse City, Texas, 13-year-old Eben Barnes learned that dogs can be removed from their homes if the family can’t provide shelter to protect them during the sweltering summers, freezing winters, and everything in between.

For his Eagle Scout service project, he led a team in the construction of 20 dog houses to be given out to families in need.

Learn more in the video below and in this story from Fox 4 New in Dallas.

… while another’s spruces up a local dog park

For more than a decade, the parks department in Carthage, Mo., has been discussing the need to improve their local dog park.

It wasn’t until Scouts BSA member Walker Lasley got involved that it finally happened.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Walker raised the money to purchase and then led a team in the installation of new ramps, tunnels and other equipment for the park.

Read more about the project in this story from The Joplin Globe.


About Aaron Derr 439 Articles
Aaron Derr is the senior editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines, and also a former Cubmaster and Scouts BSA volunteer.