FORT KNOX, Ky. – A local Cub Scout group has made an impact on the beauty of a local hiking area.
Kindergarten to fifth grade members of Pack 155 gathered May 1 at the Bridges to the Past and Tioga Falls trails to clean up trash and improve the overall condition of the area.
“We started doing this as part of the service and conservation award,” said Cubmaster Wes Chaney, “and to have an annual service project that is a direct impact on the Fort Knox community.”
About 30 Scouts and family members canvased the parking area, trail entry points and path along the Bridges to the Past section, where the original Louisville & Nashville Turnpike is located. Chaney said the project was an excellent way for Scouts to work on earning badges.
“The Scouts either worked on their rank badges, which some require a service project, or worked toward earning the World Conservation Award,” said Chaney.
According to the Boy Scouts of America website, the award encourages all youth members to think globally and act locally to preserve and improve the environment.
The Scouts focused their efforts on picking up trash; they also cleaned graffiti off the trail signs.
This isn’t the Pack’s first environmentally focused project within the Fort Knox area this year. Two months ago they cleaned up the grounds of the Henry House, a historic residence on post used for housing VIP visitors.
“The Cub Scouts packed away over 10 bags of trash and materials in the spring cleanup of the Henry House,” said Chaney. In addition to local cleanup projects, Chaney said the Scouts also participated in wreath laying ceremonies at the Fort Knox Main Post Cemetery and Kentucky Veterans Cemetery-Central in Radcliff.
Chaney took on the role of Cubmaster last summer. With his own son at the rank of Wolf in the pack, he said the position was a way to be more directly involved.
“I am an Eagle Scout and have been looking for the opportunity to get back into Scouting,” said Chaney.
The BSA reports there are about 2.2 million active youth members and 800,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States. It lists its mission as preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes.
Anyone interested in learning more about getting involved in the local scouting group can visit the Pack 155 Facebook page.
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