Boy Scouts celebrate centennial anniversary

By Sun Advocate

In early morning ceremonies on Aug. 1, millions of young adults across America lifted three fingers skyward and recited the scouting oath in celebration of the organization’s centennial.
According to John Behn, district executive of the Utah National Parks Council, the event took place exactly a century after Robert Baden-Powell began the world’s first scouting camp on Brownsea Island off the coast of Dorset, England.
In concert with scouting units worldwide, Carbon District Boy Scouts of America conducted a sunrise ceremony at the Peace Gardens in Price to honor the first century of the organization.
Present to witness the celebration was Utah Rep. Brad King and Pamela Juliano, field representative for United States Congressman Jim Matheson, who could not be present for the celebration.
The local event was also attended by Price Mayor Joe Piccolo.
The sunrise ceremony began at 8 a.m. with the blowing of a Kudu horn, similar to the instrument that Baden-Powell used 00 years ago to kick off the first Scouting training on Brownsea Island, said Behn.
“In keeping with the Scouts Oath’s promise of duty to God and to my country, Blaine Miller of Troop 275 gave an opening prayer followed by and opening flag ceremony that was led by Eldon Miller of Troop 271 and assisted by Joshua Nielson of Troop 997 and Chris Howell of troop 271,” explained Behn.
Following the ceremony, Behn delivered a history dealing with Brownsea Island and the adventure that kicked off Scouting worldwide.
In the delivering the account, Behn told scouts, parents, community members and local BSA leaders of the efforts Lord Baden-Powell had put into the development of the organization for boys and girls.
“From an initial contingent of 21 scouts and three leaders, Scouting has blossomed to include 38 million boys and girls worldwide today who enjoy the spirit of Scouting,” explained Behn.
Following Behn’s remarks, LeRae Stuart who is a Carbon district roundtable commissioner, led attending participants in the Cub Scout Promise.
The promise was followed by Carbon district chairman Mark Bunnell, who led scouters in the audience in a re-commitment to the organization’s values epitomized by the oath and law, according to Behn.
Bunnell concluded the ceremony by asking all scouters in attendance to lift three fingers skyward and repeat the oath;
“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my county and to obey the Scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally.”
Carbon County youth interested in joining a scouting program may contact the Price BSA service center at 637-8059.