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Changing the Course
The Quiet Adventure
"Once a Scout--
always a Scout"
Making A Difference
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned"
Challenge Me
"Training boy leaders to run their Troop is the Scoutmaster's most important job"
"Train Scouts to do a job, and then let them do it"
"Never do anything a boy can do"
"I have suggested Scouting as a good thing for Boys, because I began it myself when I was a Boy, and I know that if you want to enjoy life and get on, a great step towards it is to learn Scouting while you are young"
"A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room"
"Fun, fighting, and feeding! These are the three indispensable elements of the boy's world"
"There is no teaching to compare with example"
Quotes from Robert Baden-Powell
Boy Scouting's First Scoutmaster
The Road Less Traveled
Robert Frost 1874-1963
"The Only Things We Keep
Permanently Are Those
We Give Away"
"Achievement Consists of Doing
Useful Things That Most People Say
Cannot Be Done"
Waite Phillips 1883-1964
Philmont Scout Ranch
Philmont Hymn
Scout Vesper
What is Scout Spirit?
"Your standing as a scout
does not depend so much on
the skills of your hands or
the badges on your merit badge
sash, as on the spirit in your heart,
on what you are willing to do
for others, on whether you are
doing your very best to live
the Scout Oath and Scout Law"
The Scout Law:
A Scout is Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
and Reverent
A Leader's Prayer
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Saint Francis Church Honored
Saint Francis Xavier School was honored by Land of Champs District of the Boy Scouts of America for having one of the longest continuous charters in the State of Vermont. For almost 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have been preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. On Wednesday, St. Francis Xavier School was honored by the Land of Champs District of the Boy Scouts of America in Chittenden County for having one of the longest continuous charters in the State of Vermont.
District Executive, Eric Tanney presented the award to Maria Horton, Executive Officer for Saint Francis Xavier School. Charter Organization Representative and Troop Committee Chairman, James Fuller and Scoutmaster for Troop 658, Paul Mergens were also on hand to receive the award. Mergens, addressing the group of District 6 scout leaders present for the awards ceremony, thanked Ms Horton and the school for their continuous support and commitment of resources for the scouting program. The school also provides a recently renovated scout room for the boys to have their weekly meetings. Saint Francis Xavier has been hosting the Boy Scouts for 86 years.
Scouting provides an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.
Cub Scouts is a year-round program for boys in grades 1 through 5. Cub Scouting involves a variety of activities, projects, and sports; encourages good behavior; teaches lifelong values; and strengthens the bonds of family. Boy Scouting is a year-round program for boys age 11 - 17. Boy Scouting is a program of fun outdoor activities, peer group leadership opportunities, and a personal exploration of career, hobby and special interests, all designed to achieve the BSA's objectives of strengthening character, personal fitness and good citizenship.
Maria Horton commented "We are blessed here at St. Francis to have such a strong scouting program lead by committed and dedicated volunteers".
To all of our Supporters, Thank you
Troop 658 would like to thank the Winooski Knights of Columbus and the Winooski Police Association for their recent gifts of $100.00 and $250.00 to the Boy Scouts. These funds will be used to defray some of the costs of sending our Scouts to summer camp at Mount Norris Scout Reservation. Our Scouts are very appreciative of all gifts to the Troop, since most of the Troop operating revenue comes from the generous support of Winooski and local communities. To all of our supporters, Thank you!
Scoutmaster returns from Philmont Scout Reservation
Paul Mergens, Scoutmaster for Troop 658 in Winooski, Vermont recently returned from the 2007 Green Mountain Council Expedition to Philmont Scout Ranch. The ranch covers over 200 square miles of high country in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. Since 1938, Scouts from all over the world have hiked its rugged trails, rambled through its stands of aspens and ponderosa pines, and scaled its lofty peaks. Mr. Mergens was a crew advisor for one of the three scout crews on the trip. 29 Scouts from Vermont participated in the 12 day high adventure expedition. Crews backpacked Philmont's mountains, some towering over two miles high. At backcountry camps crews participated in a variety of programs presented by Philmont backcountry staff. These programs included climbing, spar pole climbing, shotgun, blackpowder rifle, gold panning, blacksmithing, gold mine tour, homesteading, branding, horseback riding, fishing, 30-06 rifle, burro racing, and the list goes on and on! "The mountain scenery and wildlife were breathtaking". I was honored to be able to hike with this fine group of Scouts and share in this once in a lifetime adventure.
"Every Scout should have the opportunity to discover the wonder of Scouting's Paradise".
Scouts Survive Wilderness!
Teams of Scouts, using what was in their pockets and the shirts off their backs, performed several survival challenges to obtain food, sleeping bags and materials to construct primitive shelters from the woods. Survival challenges included fire building using soda cans, magnifying glass, steel wool and batteries. Scouts provided first aid for compound fractures and stretchered injured scouts out of the woods. Water was collected from the lake and purified with socks, grass and charcoal from the fire. A shadow-stick and magnetized sewing needle was used to find directions. Scouts constructed primitive shelters out of natural materials found in the woods and slept in them over night under a starry sky. That evening a roaring fire heated meals and provided light to a weary troop of boys. All were found in good spirits the next day and fed a mountain of scrambled eggs and bacon upon their return. A good time was had by all!
Scouts Honor Governor
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from the State of Vermont gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington to honor Governor Jim Douglas. The Green Mountain Council and the Boy Scouts of America recognized Governor Douglas for his leadership, vision and service to the people of Vermont. First Class Scouts Jordan Desrochers and Alex Lamore attended the dinner and joined guests in presenting Governor Jim Douglas with the Distinguished Citizen Award. More....
Proud Scouts
Special thanks to all the Scouts who marched in the Winooski Memorial Day Parade last Saturday, and helped serve food to the folks gathered for the event. We received many positive comments from spectators who saw you representing the Troop in the parade, and what a great job you did!
Troop leaders are very proud of you Scouts. Thanks for setting such a fine example for the Troop and the Boy Scout program in Winooski.
Troop Recognized
Scouts and leaders were presented with the 2007 Centennial Quality Unit Award at Wednesday's Troop meeting. The Centennial Quality Unit Award recognizes outstanding troops that conduct a quality program for their youth on an annual basis.This new national award celebrates the 100th year anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Congratulation Troop!
Scouts Cash In Bottles
Congratulations to our Scouts for their hard work collecting bottles on a very cool Saturday morning. Their efforts raised $417.60. Many thanks to Mary Ann Burlingame for putting up posters and collecting bottles on behalf of the Troop.
Winooski Thanks Scouts!
Mayor O'Brien and the City of Winooski thanked all the Scouts and Leaders from Troop 658 for their hard work at last weekends Green Up Day event at the new O'Brien Community Center. Many thanks to Nevin, Alex, Jordan, Abby, Bethany, Peter, Mr. Trainque, Mrs. Trainque, Mr. Mergens, Mr. Leary for lending their shovel and rake wielding skills. Thanks!
Thank You Supporters
Many thanks to all of our supporters, especially Executive Car Wash in South Burlington for helping our Scouts raise $ 983.89 at our recent fundraiser. Thank you!
Winooski Honors Soldiers
The Winooski community gathered this past weekend to remember our fallen soldiers. Governor Jim Douglas, Mayor of Winooski and the Scouts from Troop 658 took part in the Memorial Day flag raising ceremony at the Army Guard Armory Field. Many thanks to our Scouts for serving food at the picnic following the ceremony.
TroopWelcomes Pack 655
Boy Scouts from Troop 658 welcomed Webelos Scouts and parents from Pack 655 for an evening of winter camping skills, games, advancements and fun. Webelos practiced fire building skills, setup a tent and reviewed cold weather clothing and camping gear. Congratulations to Teams I and II in our Patrol game. A good time was had by all!
Community Service
Many thanks to all the Boy Scouts and Scouters that helped with the basement cleanup at Saint Francis Church this weekend. On hand for the massive cleanup was Peter, Nevin, Raymond, Mr. Mergens, and the Trainque Family.
Scout Becomes Eagle
Raymond Trainque from Troop 658 successfully completed the last step in a 12 year journey to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Members of the District 6 Eagle Board, Scoutmaster, and Family were the first to congratulate Raymond at his Eagle Board of Review, on November 18, 2008. The Scouts of Troop 658 congratulate him on receiving Scouting's highest award.
Troop Receives Donation
The Boy Scouts from Winooski would like to thank Mr. Bud Reed for his recent donation of camping equipment to our Troop. Donated items included sleeping bags, cooking gear, tents and ground pads.
All items are much appreciated and will be used by our new Scouts. Thank You!
Merit Badge Award
Boy Scouts and leaders from the Troop congratulated Alex Lamore for his recent work in completing the requirements for the Citizenship in the Community, Camping, and Cooking Merit badges. Nice work Alex!!!
Scouts Build Camp Chairs
Webelos II Scouts from Pack 655 joined our Scouts in the wood shop to build 9 wood and canvas camp chairs. Scouts had an opportunity to sharpen their woodworking skills, using power sanders, bench drills, portable drills, nematic nailers and various hand tools. All of the Scouts really worked well together and built some really nice looking chairs. Good work Scouts! Many thanks to Mr. Irish for opening up the wood shop for the Scouts.
New Scouts Welcomed
On Saturday, March 28, five Webelos Scouts from Pack 655 in Colchester were led by Order of the Arrow guides, in full Native American dress, across a symbolic bridge and into the world of Boy Scouting. There to receive these newest Scouts was a contingent of youth and adult leaders from our Troop who equipped the boys with neckerchiefs, slides, shoulder loops and handbooks, signifying their acceptance into Troop 658. We are honored that Nicholas, James, Aric, Brett and Mark have chosen to become a part of our Troop and we extend our warmest welcome to the Scouts and their parents. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to sharing the adventure of Scouting with our newest members. Congratulations!
Scouts Earn Totin' Chip
The following Scouts from the Viking Patrol earned Totin' Chip rights by demonstrating the proper skills and handling of woods tools, including scout knives, bow saw, hatchet and ax. Congratulations to Brett, James, Mark, Aric and Nicholas
Scouts Advance
Scouts Brett, Mark, Aric, James, and Nicholas recently completed all the requirements for Scout. Scout is the first patch a new Scout earns as a Boy Scout. It is the first of many, as these Scouts advance on the path to Eagle Scouts.Congratulations to them for their hard work and perseverance.
New Viking Patrol Leaders
The newly formed Viking Patrol elected Brett K. to the position of Patrol Leader in recent elections. Patrol Leader Brett appointed James C. to be his Assistant Patrol Leader. Their goal is to bring out the best in their patrol. Congratulations to all the members of the Viking Patrol.
Scouts Receive Donation
The Boy Scouts from Winooski would like to thank Peter and Susan Alden for their recent donation of camping equipment to our Troop. Donated items included several frame packs, trail maps, fuel bottles and Coleman camping stove. All items are much appreciated and will be used by our new Scouts. Thank You!
Scouts Walk for COTS
Scouts and parents showed their support in Sunday's 2009 COTS Walk, by walking the 3 mile loop around the streets of Burlington, Vermont. Scouts Aric, James, Brett, Mark and Nicholas, with the support of their parents and generous sponsors raised $1000.00 for this very worthy cause. The Scouts also did a great job representing Troop 658 on WPTZ Channel 5 News on Sunday night. Congratulations Scouts!
Troop Welcomes Committee Members
Troop 658 would like to thank and welcome the following parents and adult leaders to the family of Scouting. Troop committee members help enrich the lives of boys and make a difference in the kind of men they become. Thank you for volunteering your time and talent to help support the Scoutmasters in delivering a top quality Troop program and carrying out your roles in the Troop administration.
Dave Prehoda Charter Representative
Ken Bell Troop Committee Chairman
Colin Comi Advancement Chair
Bill Wiltshire Secretary
Pia Sachs-Donerkiel Treasurer
Gerard Bouffard Adult Recruitment/Training
Patti Armstrong Outdoor Activities
Paul Mergens Scoutmaster
Dave Trainque Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop Receives Donation
The Boy Scouts from Winooski would like to thank Mr. Bud Reed for his recent donation of camping equipment to our Troop. Donated items included sleeping bags, cooking gear, tents, and ground pads. All items are much appreciated and will be used by our new Scouts. Thank you.
Pack 655 Webelos Winter Trek
Many thanks to Joan Powell and the Scouts from Pack 655 for inviting our Troop to their 2010 Webelos Winter Trek. A perfect winter day to have some fun in the outdoors. A great time was had by all!
New Tenderfoot Scouts
Congratulations to Brett, James, Aric, Mark, and Nick for achieving the rank of Tenderfoot Scout. These Scouts successfully completed all the requirements for this advancement and passed their Board of Review officiated by members of the Troop Committee. The entire Troop congratulates them for their hard work and perseverance and wish them the best of luck as they move up the ladder to the next rank. Keep up the good work Scouts!!!
Troop Returns From Florida Sea Base
Adventures in Paradise
Troop 603 Winter Trek
Troop 658 would like to thank Troop 603 for inviting us to their 2010 Winter Trek at the Sportsman's Club in Saint Albans, VT. Thanks for all the great food and events, we had a real nice time. We hope to see you next year. Thanks!
New Youth Leader
Senior Patrol Leader Alex Hurd recently appointed Patrick McHuge to the position of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Patrick is a First Class Scout and has accepted the responsibilities of this senior youth leadership position in the Troop. Congratulations Patrick !
Saint Francis Troop 658 Boy Scouts Recognized
Troop leaders, parents, fellow Scouts, and special guests had the distinct privilege of formally recognizing the following Boy Scouts at our December Court of Honor. Each Scout is required to complete between 10 and 12 requirements for each rank advancement and possess a solid foundation of Boy Scout ideals, principles and outdoor skills. Merit Badges are an invitation to explore over 100 exciting subject areas. Earning a Merit Badge can lead Scouts toward a lifelong hobby or set them on the way to a rewarding career. We are all very proud of our Scouts!
The following Scouts were recognized for their Merit Badges and Advancement work:
· Merit Badges awarded since the last Court of Honor in June:
Nicholas Bouffard Swimming, Fire Safety
Peter Mergens Canoeing, Small Boat Sailing
James Comi Aviation, Swimming, Golf, Citizenship in the World, Fire Safety
Alex Hurd First Aid, Communications, Family Life
Brett Krzynski Swimming, Fire Safety
Nevin Leary Shotgun Shooting
Mark Stearns Swimming, Fire Safety
· Merit Badges presented at this Court of Honor:
Aric Donerkiel Citizenship in the World, Leatherwork
Alex Hurd Citizenship in the World
Mark Stearns Citizenship in the World
Patrick McHugh First Aid, Canoeing
Nicholas Bouffard Citizenship in the World
Brett Krzynski Citizenship in the World
A total of 25 merit badges were earned by our Scouts since the June Court of Honor.
· Recognized rank advancement & award Tenderfoot pin and Mother’s pin:
Aric Donerkiel Tenderfoot Rank
James Comi Tenderfoot Rank
Nicholas Bouffard Tenderfoot Rank
Mark Stearns Tenderfoot Rank
Brett Krzynski Tenderfoot Rank
Alex Hurd Star Rank
Patrick Mchugh Second Class and First Class Rank
A total of 8 rank advancements were earned by our Scouts since the June Court of Honor.
All of our Scouts were congratulated for their efforts, enthusiasm and accomplishments. Many thanks to our parents who helped organize, setup/cleanup and prepared food for our Thanksmas Dinner Party.
Scouts Earn Polar Bear Patch
Congratulations to James, Brett, Aric and Patrick for earning their Polar Bear Patch this winter. To meet the requirements for this patch, Scouts must attend the Winter Skills Training Program and spend one or more nights tent camping in winter snow conditions. These Scouts earned this patch during the Mount Norris and Troop 603 Winter Treks. See photos for details.
Scout Advances to Life
Senior Patrol Leader, Alex Hurd successfully completed his Board of Review for Life rank on Monday night, after completing all the requirements for this advancement. Six members of the Troop Committee and the Scoutmaster congratulated Alex for his hard work and perseverance. Congratulations Alex!!!
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