The 19th annual Noblesville Mayor’s Breakfast for Scouting continued its staggering trend of increasing amounts as it received $45,550 in pledged donations to help offset the costs of programming, supplies and equipment and training workshops and camps on Feb. 26. The breakfast raised approximately $40,000 last year and $34,250 in 2012.
“To raise that money in one breakfast … only in a community like Noblesville,” said Matt Cook, breakfast chairman.
Cook said the Boy Scouts’ purpose is simple: to build the character and integrity of America’s youth and prepare them to become responsible adults – adults who are leaders and adults who participate in society according to the Scout Oath and Law.
“I say with great pride that we are the Boy Scouts of America, and we are committed to giving young people the tools and experiences, and the knowledge and faith, to make the world a better place. Our mission may be lofty, but with your help, it is attainable,” he said.
In Hamilton County, there are now 100 Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops and Venture Crews. Almost 1,500 adult leaders volunteer their time and leadership to the more than 4,600 youth who participate in Hamilton County Scouting programs.
“Many leaders in our community are former Scouts, and so by supporting Scouting today, we are investing in the future leaders of our city, state and country,” Mayor John Ditslear said. “For more than 100 years now, one thing that has been constant in Scouting is its purpose of providing an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of good citizenship and to develop personal fitness.”
In 2013, Noblesville and Cicero had 35 Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
“Between them, these newest Eagle Scouts donated over 7000 volunteer hours to help better our community,” said Ditslear.
Mark McCullough of Troop 183, which is chartered by St. Michaels Episcopal Church, was one of those that recently earned Scouting’s highest rank. McCullough said being outdoors is one of his favorite scouting experiences.
“There are a lot of things people can’t help you out with. A lot of things you have to learn on your own. You have to do it on your own,” said the Noblesville High School junior. “Scouting goes beyond being a better outdoorsman. It’s taught me to be a better person.”
Hamilton County also has seven Explorer Posts with approximately 325 young people participating.
“Like Scouting, the Career Exploring program is a valuable program for young people. Exploring is a co-ed program for young men and women ages 14-20, to learn about potential careers,” Ditslear said. “It gives young adults the opportunity to learn first-hand about a career that interests them as well as the opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills by serving as post officers.”
Explorer posts are sponsored by businesses or community organizations whose employees volunteer to educate the young people about that particular career. For the past four years, Jennifer Stevens has been a member of the Noblesville Police Dept. Explorers, which learn from and assist police officers in a variety of community events.
“Explorers are held to a higher standard than normal high schoolers,” she said.
