Local Scouts Advance in Rank, are Recognized for Accomplishments in Court of Honor

Scouts BSA Girl Troop 990 held a Court of Honor on August 28, 2022, to recognize the accomplishments of its Scouts. At this spirited event, families and friends gathered to recognize the Scouts and hear updates on their accomplishment and future plans. It was evident that their hard work is in keeping with the finest traditions of Scouting and reflects great credit upon themselves, their community, and their Troop.

Daniel Clem, (Troop Committee Treasurer) led the opening prayer. The Color Guard, comprised of Simone Hounshell (Patrol Leader), Naomi Clem (Assistant Patrol Leader), Marcella Velloso, and Madeline Warden, was headed by Keturah Warden (Patrol Leader). Together, they presented the colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Adelaide Warden (Senior Patrol Leader) acted as the Master of Ceremonies and led the Scouts in the Scout Oath and Law. She lit three candles representing duty to God, duty to Country, and duty to Others. The Scouts took turns explaining each part of the Scout Law in detail.

The program included recognition for rank advancement, special awards, service, and training.

• Avenue of Flags Service Recognition was given to those that served at the Annual Flag Service at Floral Haven.
• The Mile Swim Award required training for and completing a one-mile swim and was awarded to Adelaide Warden.
• The Totin’ Chip Award required completion of training for safe handling and care of saws, axes, and knives and was awarded Madeline Warden, Abby Wester, Naomi Clem, Marcella Velloso, and Simone Hounshell.
• The Cyber Chip Award is given for completion of training for online and social media safety and was earned by all Scouts.
• The Den Chief Braid is given to Scouts who complete Den Chief training, allowing them to help guide a Cub Scout Den and was awarded to Madeline Warden.
• Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) is the initial leadership course for youth leaders and is the first step towards the advanced youth leadership training for which Scouts BSA is known. ILST was completed by Adelaide Warden, Keturah Warden, Madeline Warden, Naomi Warden, Marcella Velloso, Simone Hounshell, and Abby Wester.
• National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
  is the next step in formal youth training and is a six-day course in residence that equips Scouts with leadership skills for life. This training was completed by Adelaide Warden who plans to attend the next level of training in New Mexico at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM next summer. Troop 990 anticipates sending additional Scouts to NYLT in 2023 as they attain First Class Rank.
• Scout Rank was earned by Rylin Bland. Scout Rank signifies that a youth has familiarized themselves with the ideals necessary to become an ethical and responsible citizen, how to participate on a team as a team player that is committed to her growth as well as others, and the principles of advancement in Scouting.

Merit Badges are directed courses of study in a particular area. Fields of study and interest are explored beyond the limits of the school classroom. The topic specific and general transferrable skills gained also equip Scouts for leadership and service in their Patrol, Troop, family, extracurricular activities, and prepare them for life. The following merit badges were earned by the Scouts:

• Fishing was earned by Naomi Clem, Keturah Warden, and Madeline Warden.
• Horsemanship was earned by Adelaide Warden, Keturah Warden, Madeline Warden, and Abby Wester.
• Kayaking was earned by Naomi Clem.
• Swimming was earned by Madeline Warden, Abby Wester, and Simone Hounshell.
• Small Boat Sailing was earned by Simone Hounshell and Keturah Warden.

A slide show of the Scout’s activities since the last Court of Honor was developed by the Scouts and presented to those in attendance.

Scoutmaster, Kristin Warden, shared her thoughts in a Scoutmaster Minute on the importance of loyalty, commitment, and friendship. The ceremony was closed with the Scout Vespers Prayer.

Afterwards, the guests met with the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee to discuss the progress of the Scouts and the Troops plans for the next year. The Scouts and guests also socialized and enjoyed refreshments.

Scouts BSA Troop 990 meets on Sundays at 3:30 PM at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Broken Arrow. Youth ages 11+ who are interested in what Scouting has to offer to help youth be prepared for life are invited to attend. If this time and place does not work for you, we can connect you to a local Scouts BSA Troop that will! Text or call Wick Warden, Charter Organization Representative, at (405) 596-0174 for information about Troop 990 or other Scouting opportunities in our area. Visit https://beascout.scouting.org/ for more information about Scouting near you.