MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The local Boy Scouts Of America Scout Troop 77 journeyed to Yokota Air Base their annual Summer Jamboree at Tama Hills recreation center, June 16 through 23, 2012.
The Summer Bash Jamboree consisted of several activities in which the scouts participated to work toward receiving new merit badges. It also gave the scouts a chance to work with other scout troops to learn new techniques and take new approaches to obstacles and challenges.
“Being a scout is a great thing for kids to do,” said Master Sgt. Andrew J. McDermott, Troop 77 scout master. “They learn a variety of different skill sets that could one day later in life benefit them when it comes to getting a job, working with others, becoming a future leader, as well as many other things that one could use to their advantage.”
The scouts with Troop 77 worked to improve their skills in areas such as archery, pioneering, horsemanship, first aid, environmental science as well as various other categories.
“There are more than 125 different merit badges, from avionics to plumbing, said McDermott. “Each merit badge helps a scout toward promotion.”
The Summer Jamboree consisted of several different scout troops from places such as Misawa, Yokota, Okinawa and several others, even one from Beijing, China.
Gathered at the Jamboree were more than 160 scouts and more than 55 adult volunteers from different services.
“We heard on several occasions that we were being called the Marine scouts by the other troops,” said McDermott. “The kids had a great time. Weather we were raising the colors in the morning on a 30 foot flag pole constructed by the scouts, or breaking down the camp to take cover from the typhoon that came through. Troop 77 did a terrific job in their events and several scouts received promotions. Eric Cox was promoted to star, Thomas Clemons and Ryan Archambault to 1st class, Lucas McDermott to 2nd class, and Miles Saulsberry and Noah Saulsberry to tenderfoot.”
When it comes to scout promotions, all start out as a scout rank. Then move up to Tenderfoot, then 2nd class, then 1st class, then Star, Life and finally Eagle Scout.
Being a scout is about more than going out into the woods for a time.
It is about knowing how to find ways to better one’s self. Finding one’s own way to make a difference with the knowledge they acquire from their mentors and peers.