It was Boy Scout Sunday and Troop 711 shared their true colors. In the year 2017 the troop saw 13 of their scouts reach Eagle level. That accomplishment takes progression and success through six prior levels. One of the young men, Nathaniel Schriner, has now been nominated to three military academies – West Point (Army), Naval Academy at Annapolis, and Colorado Springs Air Force Academy.
Details about Scout Troop 711 were given by 14-year old Senior Patrol Leader, Kyle Sommer. He was speaking at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SVLC) on Boy Scout Sunday, February 4. Troop 711 has had over 30 years affiliation with the church. Sommers said, “We’re sharing building space, storage capacity, and we both participate in community projects that help others.” Cub Scout Pack 459 has also joined in partnership with SVLC and holds their meetings in the building.
“It generally takes a young man about five to six years to reach the highest scout level,” according to Scoutmaster Wayne Dimmig. “One who joins at around age 10½ or 11 (dependant upon whether or not they were a Cub Scout) needs to have progressed through all levels by age 18 to accomplish the rank of Eagle Scout.” It is not necessary to have been a Cub Scout first. “Troop 711 has 59 in the troop,” he said. “They are anticipating 15 newcomers in 2018.”
Community service is a top priority in Boy Scouts, according to Patrol Leader Sommer. They participate in food drives to help fill the shelves at local Food Banks; they offer assistance at Vine Maple Place, which can provide housing needed by single parents and their children; and they participate with strength and vigor in designated renewal and restoration projects on Make a Difference Day. Their next project is Scouting for Food in March where scouts will send crews to canvas neighborhood donors along Highway 169 by 240th KFC and Lake Forest Estates area.
Aside from community service, there is still time for outdoor games and environmental excursions. Forty-seven boys attended summer camp in 2017. Every weekend they have events like camping and hiking. The troop holds weekly meetings at SVLC. And as Scoutmaster Dimmig emphasized, “We are a boy-led troop. They do the speaking and planning.”
Those who wish more information about joining Scouts can go to the Chief Seattle Council website and look for the local “Foothills District.” The website has an email address with which to contact Scoutmaster Wayne Dimmig. Troop-711.org also has contact information.
Year 2019 sees an upcoming new trek for Boy Scouts. They are opening attendance to girls. Girls are able to join the younger Cub Scouts as of this year, 2018. Joining Venture Crew 711 is another option for young men and women in high school searching relationship to scouting philosophy. At ages 14-21, Venture Crew is co-ed. They meet twice a month, also at SVLC. The purpose of Venture Crew is to provide positive experiences to help young adults mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Contact source is David Huson, 425-432-2607, or email davehuson@earthlink.net.
