Scouting and You!
by Judy Johnson Marketing/PR Chair Cherokee District

Brooks Gremmels, owner of ARC Ridge Ranch in Ben Wheeler, receives an appreciation award from Cherokee District while Marc Griffin, District Chairman, looks on.

Scouting is alive and well in Cherokee District! Three counties make up Cherokee District: Henderson, Van Zandt and Kaufman. The Scouting program has impacted the lives of hundreds of boys throughout the years in this district. During the year, various district activities on the council, district and local unit levels provide Scouters with exciting and interesting opportunities for fun.

The Annual Spring Camporee was held at ARC Ridge Ranch near Ben Wheeler during March 28- 30. Mr. Brooks Gremmels, the owner of ARC Ridge Ranch, graciously invited the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Cherokee District to spend a fun-filled weekend at his ranch. A total of 187 Scouters participated in the event.

Following the theme of "Communication," the boys competed in events which included sending and receiving messages with semaphore flags, map-making using orienteering skills, and casting for a hidden target using non-verbal communication.

The "Best Campsite" contest and Dutch Oven Dessert Cook-off pitted campers against each other. Saturday's activities concluded with a campfire program and an Order of the Arrow Callout Ceremony.

Awards presented at the campfire for Best Campsite were: For Troop, 1st, Troop 333, Mabank; 2nd, Troop 343, Chandler; and 3rd, Troop 378, Canton. A special award was presented to Troop 398 of Seven Points, for the most creative use of natural resources found in the campsite. Best Campsite awards for the pack were: 1st, Pack 376, Van; and 2nd, Pack 339, Forney. The coveted Coup Stick for Overall was awarded to Troop 343, Athens, for Boy Scouts; and to Pack 376, Van, for Cubs.

On Saturday, April 20th, the Annual Cub Scout Spring Picnic was held at Camp Cherokee near Athens. Cub Scouts and their families arrived early in anticipation of a day of adventure in the woods! They were treated to archery, rock wall climbing, games, BB gun shooting, and fishing. Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers were served for lunch. The day's activities concluded with a Pinewood Derby race.

Scouting is a game with a purpose. The fun and adventure that await provide the perfect opportunity to build confidence and character in our youth. Scouts, both youth and adults, make friends that last a lifetime. What better way to spend quality time with your son than outside in the woods around a campfire? If you are interested in a lifechanging experience, sign up for Scouts ... you and your son. Contact John Bray, Cherokee District Scout Executive at 214-902- 6752 for information about a Scouting unit near you.