HUMPHREYS GARRISION - What has four heads and eight legs'
The USAG Humphreys Boys Scout Troop 203. With only four members enrolled, this Troop continues to provide boys with a fun, positive learning environment.
"Troop 203 has had some issues in recruiting new scouts here," said Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Bain, Company B, 3rd Military Intelligence. "As the Garrison continues to grow, I see those challenges diminishing as families and boys seek out scouting. The low numbers means that the boys have to work harder at events, and the parents chip in when we can."
Ideally, a Troop would have a full patrol consisting of five to eight boys. The only requirement to joining the Boy Scouts is age, rather than experience. Scouts must be at least 11 years old, or 10 years old and have completed the fifth grade.
They can continue on through the program until they are 17 years old. There is a yearly prorated $24 membership fee for all participants.
Troop 203's current Scout Master Sgt. Leigh Muckey, 527th Military Intelligence Battalion, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade. Muckey has been involved in scouting since he was 5 years old.
"I was fortunate enough to be a part of the program from an early age," said Muckey. Scouting trains boys to become men and helped me become the person I am today. It taught me values but it especially prepared me for adulthood. It taught me the meaning of keeping ones word. It teaches boys how to be leaders."
As the Scout Master, Muckey is responsible for guiding the scouts. Since the program focuses on the boy scouts themselves running it, they decide where to campout and what they want to teach and learn together.
"My role is simply to facilitate and serve as a mentor and guide for the boys. They do all the hard work. In scouting the authority doesn't lie with the adults. They lead each other so they have to learn how to interact in order to accomplish what needs to be done. It's a skill they have for the rest of their lives," Muckey said.
In the program scouts are taught the Scout law it is: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Scouts are also taught leadership and selfless service, Muckey said.
Recently, the troop attended the annual Spring Camporee held at Camp Carroll, Daegu. This weekend was dedicated to campsite set-up and sporting events. Five troops from across the Peninsula gathered for this event. Pack leaders from each served as the judges for various competitions in camp site set-up, scout spirit and overall site. This year, Troop 203 earned three ribbons, which was great since they were the smallest group in attendance, Bain said.
"The Boy Scouts and other scouting organizations on USAG-Humphreys are a great experience for both the children and the adult leaders that support them. It not only serves as a means to keep oneself busy, but gives you great satisfaction in seeing the children succeed in the events they undertake," Bain said.
The next big event is the Summer Camporee, held off post in this area. The Troop meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Commander's Community Center in the Zoeckler Station area.
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