A Scouting living legacy continues

Charlie Jones is the new Scoutmaster of Guthrie’s Troop 850, welcomed to the position by five previous 850 scoutmasters whose experience spans 55 years. All have remained active in Scouting.

Outgoing Scoutmaster Chris Watson says Troop 850 is proof that scouting is alive and well.

“This is where boys grow to be the leaders of tomorrow,” said Watson. “Troop 850 has always been a place for young men to succeed.”

Troop 850 is 60 years old, and has seen 55 young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest award, with several achieving the honor recently.

“While the average is one a year, recently we had six scouts reach Eagle in just a one year span,” noted former Scoutmaster Doug Cook. Cook now chairs the Troop 850 committee.

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Scoutmaster Charlie Jones describes his job as a facilitator, to guide Scouts as they plot their futures.

“The Scoutmaster works directly with the Scouts to help them create their program for the troop,” explained Jones. “The Scoutmaster provides directing, coaching, and support to empower Scouts to become leaders and masters of their own destiny.

“It is an honor to be part of Troop 850’s legacy of leaders,” Jones added. “ I am thankful for all those involved, not only for their past contributions which have built such a firm foundation for the Troop, but for their ongoing work and support as well.”