Westfield, Boy Scout Troop 107, chartered by Christ United Methodist Church in downtown Westfield, recently completed record setting summer camping experiences.
On June 19, 11 Scouts and four adults headed west to conquer Boy Scouts of America’s first High Adventure Base, Philmont Scout Ranch. Located in the New Mexico Rocky Mountains, Philmont has 137,000 square acres of mountains, trails and camps. The group backpacked 69 miles over 10 days, including a one day, 14-mile trek to the top of Mount Baldy.
Then in mid-July, 40 scouts and 12 adults braved the heat and dry weather to venture to Ransburg Scout Reservation in Bloomington for a week of learning and improving their Scouting skills. Scouts participated in more than 40 different merit badges including Engineering, Robotics, Rowing, Water Sports, Swimming, Life Saving, Fishing, Archery, Rifle and Shotgun to name a few.
Twenty two scouts completed requirements in the 92-year-old Firecrafter Program. Dating back to 1920 and founded by F.O. Belzer at what is now known as Belzer Scout Reservation in Indianapolis, Firecrafter is based upon three ideals – friendship, leadership and service. Boy Scouts complete requirements for the ranks of Camper, Woodsman and Firecrafter during their week at summer camp. Requirements include map reading, knots, lashings, service and of course fire building. The third and most rigorous rank, Firecrafter, includes building a fire by friction set that is used to start a fire from the spark created by the scout. Firecrafter candidates also plan and execute a full campfire program including a safe fire, camp songs, stories and skits.
This year, Troop 107 had two Firecrafter candidates – Reilly Hester and Devin McCleary. Hester and McCleary will complete their candidacy at a weekend campout in August know as Grand Ritual, where scouts are tested on their skills and perform service to their camp.
Troop 107 was founded in 1948 and is the oldest Boy Scout Troop in Westfield. With more than 60 scouts and 20 adult leaders, Troop 107 continues to grow stronger within the Westfield Community. For more information, contact Jim Hester at scouter107@comcast.net.
Know More
For more information on scouting in Westfield, join Troop 107 at the Westfield Farmer’s Market on Aug. 17 starting at 4:30 pm. Members of Troop 107 along with Cub Scout Packs within Westfield will be available to answer questions about the Scouting program. Troop 107 will be setting up a campsite for visitors to inspect and will have support from the local Indiana National Guard and their portably Climbing Wall for all to enjoy.