The Boy Scouts of America is on a mission “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.” This is accomplished by challenging them with activities based upon the Scout Oath where a Scout is asked to be “physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” And to live the principles of the Scout Law – “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent” in their everyday lives.

Described below are some of the activities Troop 14 has undertaken to meet Scouting’s ideals during the second half of 2023. During this time, the Troop has accumulated over 120 hours of service and grown in both numbers and responsibility.

In August, some of the Troop traveled to Camp T.L. James to participate in Aquatics Day. Braving the extreme heat, Scouts were able to swim, zip line, and send each other flying via “The Blob”. As part of the fishing merit badge, Wildlife Agent Eric Little spoke to the Troop about Louisiana’s hunting and fishing regulations. Agent Little was the epitome of patience as he answered a lot of questions ranging from private ponds to bear encounters.

During September, Troop 14 practiced canoeing skills at Camp Attakapas. October brought Cub-O-Ree, a gathering where older Scouts run events for younger Scouts. Because of the reputation of hard work and responsibility of its Scouts, Troop 14 was tasked with running the shooting ranges and the rock-climbing wall.

November was very busy. In keeping with Scouting’s principle of service to others, Troop 14 participated in various Veterans’ Day activities, prepped and primed poles on the back porch of Nolley Church, and helped gather approximately 1,000 pounds of food items for local food pantries. Then it was time for Winter Camp. Winter Camp, detailed in a previous article, gives the Troop a chance to earn merit badges and other awards while camping through all kinds of weather.

December was a time for preparing for the New Year by splitting firewood, cleaning and restocking the trailer, and assembling a 2024 calendar of activities. Awards were presented to well deserving Scouts at a Christmas gathering.

Troop 14 extends a special thank you its sponsor – Nolley Memorial Methodist Church. Scouting is now open to both boys and girls. If interested in Scouting please contact Scoutmaster Meshell Squyres at 318/374-9799 or Cubmaster Charlene Richard at 318/481-1825.

BSA is on a mission “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.”

Scout Oath “A Scout is asked to be physically strong, mentally awake & morally straight.”

Scout Law “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent” in their everyday lives.