Holmes County Scouts had plenty to do this summer

The participants of Holmes County Scouts had a great summer in 2023, adding to the luster that has helped the Scouting program blossom into something youth can enjoy year round.

Cub Scouts age 5-11, Scouts age 11-18 and Venture Crews age 14-21 were all active in Holmes County. These various units are located in Holmesville, Nashville, Berlin, Millersburg and Killbuck, and all of them remained on the go as they enjoyed the many benefits Scouting offers.

According to Scott Biltz, president of Scouters of Holmes County, Cub Scout highlights were many.

“There were day camps and multi-night summer camps attended by our local Cubs,” Biltz said. “At least five Cubs crossed over to Scouts in 2023. Good leaders and helpful Scouts resulted in many hours of community service being given back to Holmes County. Pinewood Derbies were raced, and fishing derbies were held, so it was a strong summer for the Cub Scouts.”

Scout highlights also were experienced in abundance. Biltz said there were more than 20 rank advancements with two Scouts earning their Eagle Scout rank, an accomplishment that is celebrated each time a Scout puts in the work necessary to achieve that goal.

“These Scouts also learned about various vocations with hands-on experience accumulating into over 50 merit badges earned,” Biltz said.

He said community service plays an even larger role in Scouts, and they put in more than 150 hours this year to help local towns and the county.

The plethora of summer activities didn’t stop there.

“The Venture Crew had an amazing year with a contingent of both male and female Scouts traveling to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico for a 17-day wilderness backpacking adventure,” Biltz said. “Each crew hiked about 75 miles.”

He said camping is a big part of Scouting, and the local units camped more than 40 nights, creating plenty of bonds of friendship, as well as promoting the value of teamwork and working hard, with each event providing plenty of fun.

In addition, both Cubs and Scouts participated in day camps and campouts with Scouts from all over Ohio at organized district and council events.

Another aspect of life Scouting promotes is community service, and the Scouts were busy providing that too.

“Scouts of all ages participated in the county fair, and all joined in to clean up the fairgrounds the Sunday after the fair,” Biltz said. “Scouts also participated in Earth Day by planting hundreds of trees around the county.”

To learn more about joining or volunteering with The Boy Scouts of America, visit www.beascout.org and type in your ZIP code to find a local leader.