News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Scouting District Chairman said Upper Cumberland Scouting enrollments have returned to pre-COVID levels.
District Chairman Bob Mackie said the youth development program lost membership during the COVID years but all the activities started back 18 months ago and all in-person activities have returned. Mackie said despite the competition of other outside interests, the Scouts are thriving. He said that includes an increase in girls since the organization opened to girls in 2019.
“Renamed it, the best I know, to Scouting BSA and during that transition change had more girls wanting to participate,” Mackie said. “And so from that they are participating more than ever.”
Mackie said one of the key features of scouting is development through rank. He said you start out as a scout but with participation, patience, and perseverance you can reach the rank of Eagle.
Mackie said being an Eagle is a great accomplishment regardless of being male or female. He said the program creates leadership skills through planning, cooperation and mentoring required as scouts move through the ranks.
“And we have in our Caney Fork District actually had the first female Eagle Scout and we awarded her at our banquet,” Mackie said.
Mackie said there are ranks, tasks, and merit badges that must be completed within time constraints to reach the pinnacle of Eagle Scout. He said although there are 135 possible merit badges ranging from electronics to chemistry to food preparation, there are certain life skills that must be completed.
“For Eagle there are 13 required badges and 21 total badges,” Mackie said. “And usually a merit badge for the Eagle Ranking will take three to six months of work.”
Mackie said Scouts are leaders and the program is Scout led.
“Adults are there to give guidance and be the umbrella,” Mackie said.
