Turley Publications courtesy photo

Members of Troop 98 of the Boy Scouts of America at the troop’s Court of Honor (L to r) Juan Hiraldo (Spencer), Paul Washington (Warren), Kyle Aldrich (West Warren), Brayden Burdick (Fiskdale), and Dan Washington (Warren).

Boy Scout troop holds Court of Honor

NORTH BROOKFIELD - Troop 98 of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) recently met to recognize achievements of its members. The troop, which is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met at the Church building, 108 New Braintree Road, North Brookfield.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Scout Oath and Law, both led by Brayden Burdick. An opening prayer was offered by Dan Washington.

Five merit badges were presented to four members of the troop by Scout Master Mark Johnson and Assistant Scout Master Chris McGrath. Paul and Dan Washington from Warren, Brayden Burdick from Fiskdale, and Jacob Borelli from Wheelwright received badges.

Rank achievements were also recognized: Paul Washington received the Tenderfoot award, Kyle Aldrich received the Scout award, and Brayden Burdick received the Second Class Scout award.

The other members of Troop 98 are Josh Allen (North Brookfield), Ashby Cullen (Barre), Tyler Davis (East Brookfield) and Hyrum Wright (Rochdale).

Dave Hardies, the District Commissioner of the Massasoit District of the Mohegan Council, BSA was also present. He recognized the troop’s participation in the Western Massachusetts summer camp held in Chesterfield the previous summer by awarding participation ribbons. These ribbons are attached to the troop flag.

Commissioner Hardies also brought the 2010 Charter which is an agreement between the Boy Scouts of America and the organization that sponsors the troop, in this case The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Charter is renewed each year. The BSA provides the framework for the organization while the sponsoring organization “owns” the troop.

Hardies referred to the Boy Scouts of America as “the foremost youth organization in the world” and noted that “it has been 100 years since its founding. In that time the core values of the organization have not changed, those values being character development, mental and physical health, leadership, and good citizenship”. He pointed out that many people think the main purpose of the BSA is to teach boys the skills for surviving in the wilderness. Rather, this is the means through which the boys develop the core values.

Kyle Aldrich offered the closing prayer after which the scouts and their families and friends enjoyed refreshments.

Membership in Troop 98 is open to all interested boys between the ages of 12 and 18. For more information about upcoming events or about joining the Troop, contact Mark Johnson at 508-347-5026.