First Officer Brennan Kelley led the opening ceremonies which began with an Invocation by Pastor Darren Peachey of the Canton Mennonite Church, which is the Troop's Chartered Organization. This was followed by a flag ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, Trailman Jackson Simpson playing The National Anthem on a keyboard, and all reciting of The Trailman’s Oath. The guests were then welcomed by Committee Chairman Thomas Roe before the Award Ceremony began.
As Troopmaster Jeffery Deutschle announced the awards, Ranger Kevin Kropf presented awards to the Woodland Trailman (K-5) and Trailmaster Bruce Kelley presented awards to the Navigator Trailmen (6-8) and Adventurer Trailmen (9-12).
Trailmen in the Navigators Program were: Tyler Wright, Nevin Kelley and Asher Wright. They all received the Recruit Trailman Badge, and Trail Badges for First Aid, Ropework and Wood Tools.
First Officer Brennan Kelley, in the Adventurer Program, received the Journey Award, and Trail Badges for First Aid, Ropework, Wood Tools and Fire Ranger.
The Award Ceremony was followed by a Banquet catered by Fran Martin and included roast pork loin, buttered and parsleyed red potatoes, green beans with carrots, jello salad, coleslaw, and roll with butter. Woodworking door prizes made by the Trailmen where announced by Treasurer John Rimmer before the entertainment began. Chester Delameter, Gospel Comedy Magician then preformed an inspiring (and funny!) variety of card, rope, juggling and slight-of-hand tricks.
The evening concluded with words of appreciation from Chartered Organization Representative Ryan Zimmerman, and the “Walk Worthy” Circle by Chaplain John Hickok. This was followed by a social time with cake and ice cream with displays of the Trail Life Program available to enjoy.
Trail Life is a K-12 Christian based program that centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man’s skills and allow him to grow on a personal level and as a role model and leader for his peers. Meetings are held the first three Thursdays of the month at The Endless Mountains Mission Center in West Burlington from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, with the younger boys dismissing at 7:30. There is a weekend activity each month. If you want to get in on the adventure, contact Jeff Deutschle, Troopmaster, at 570-673-4275 or email at [email protected].