In the last six months of 2024, Scouts of BSA Troop 14 continued to accept the challenge of being living examples of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. During this time period, the Scouts provided over 335 hours of service to various individuals and organizations. Below is a brief summary of activities the Scouts have undertaken in an effort to better understand that service to God, Country, Community, and other people is the best way to become effective leaders.
In early July, a public flag retirement ceremony was held at the Jena Town Park. Scouts braved extreme heat to commit approximately 120 flags to purging flames. Under the direction of Mr. Dewitt Lurry, the Troop then began building shelves and storage space in its trailer.
In August, after holding elections for leadership positions within the Troop, several Scouts headed to Sandy Lake to help remove trees and gather firewood. The Troop then replaced the halyards and U.S. Flag on the flagpoles at the eastern entrance to the Town of Jena.
September saw the Troop recertify in First Aid and CPR. Scouts finished the shelving/storage areas in the trailer. Selected Scouts took this time to clean yards and help some Jena residents replace the U.S. Flags flying at their homes. This was followed by a day trip to Stuart Lake. While working on the Geocaching Merit Badge and compass proficiency, the Troop finished a 6-mile hike and then spent two hours practicing canoe skills. September ended with the Troop hosting a weekend of training for adult leaders new to Scouting. Because of their reputation for knowledge and dependability, Troop and Pack 14 leaders and Scouts were asked to organize and conduct a training weekend for adult Scout leaders from Louisiana and Texas.
With two campouts associated with service projects and the Louisiana Purchase Council’s 100 anniversary, October would be a busy month. The first event would be at Nolley Methodist Church. During this campout, Scouts used hand tools to dig holes for 8” diameter posts to support seven benches along the Nature Trail. It was hard work, especially given the poor equipment provided by Mr. Bill, but the Scouts got it done. Fall Cub-O-Ree once again had Troop 14 helping with the climbing wall, monkey-bridge, and shooting ranges. The Troop was then asked to clean up and prepare Camp Attakapas for the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase Council. Laurel Pugh, Troop 14’s Senior Patrol Leader, spoke at the celebration and did an excellent job.
In November, Scouts participated in myriad activities including: Veteran’s Day programs, Scouting for Food, and the Honor Guard 5K run. 2024 ended with Troop 14 attending Camp Attakapas Winter Camp. During the week of Thanksgiving, Scouts worked on merit badges with subjects including robotics, geology, first aid, auto mechanics, plumbing, Indian lore, and camping. The Troop won Staff Choice in dutch oven dessert, while Nathan Richard and Blake Lacour were “top shot” in rifles and archery, respectively.
Troop 14 and Pack 14 meet most Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., at Nolley Methodist Church. Feel free to come to a meeting or contact Scoutmaster Meshell Squyres at (318) 374-9799 or Cubmaster Charlene Richard at (318) 481-1825. Troop and Pack 14 extend a special thank you to our charter organization – Richmond Nolley Memorial Methodist Church.
