GRANT REPORT - BISHOP TROOP 395
Scouting is an organization that helps youth develop leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of responsibility. Scouts also learn valuable life skills like first aid, camping, and outdoor survival. MMCF supported a grant to the Rotary Sunrise Club of Bishop Troop 395 so that youth in Bishop could have a chance to expound upon these valued criterions at a summer camp. By awarding a grant, nine local youths were able to attend this extraordinary week-long experience. Along with three adult supervisors, Troop 395 ventured to a High Sierra camp north of Sonora.
Camp programs incorporate the aims of scouts, including character development, leadership development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The week-long summer camp for scouts is considered the premier annual experience. Youth that attend summer camp are more likely to continue in the year-round scouting program. The summer camp youth experience includes these goals: individuals are challenged to undertake multiple merit badge programs and participate in camp-wide individual and group competitions. All youth attending completed a combined total of 36 merit badges across 20 unique topics. These merit badges combined count towards each scout's goal of earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Camp programs incorporate the aims of scouts, including character development, leadership development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Without the help from organizations like MMCF, many of these scouts can not afford to attend summer camp,
We got a chance to catch up with Jeff Gabriel, Troop 395 Committee Chair, and this is what he had to say.
What did you get from the grant?
The grant from MMCF helped cover camp fees, transportation, and supplies for various activities. It ensured that all scouts could attend camp and have a great experience, regardless of their financial situation.
Can you tell us about the youth population that this program serves?
Troop 395 consists of boys aged 11 to 17 from diverse backgrounds. The program teaches them essential life skills, leadership, and teamwork while allowing them to enjoy the outdoors.
What experiences and activities did the troop participate in?
The scouts engaged in numerous fun and educational activities, including hiking, swimming, climbing, archery, shooting, metalworking, and survival skills training. These activities helped them complete specific merit badges.
What are the overall goals for the Summer Camp Youth experience?
The goal of summer camp is to help scouts grow as leaders, learn new skills, and build confidence. It also fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and an appreciation for the outdoors.
What are the Scout program's values and goals? In regard to these, did the scouts learn what you were hoping they would?
Scouting emphasizes values such as honesty, responsibility, respect, and leadership. The goal is to help scouts become better individuals and responsible citizens. This year, the scouts demonstrated significant growth in these areas by working together, solving problems, and stepping up as leaders.
Tell us about the merit badges that were earned. Did the adults earn any credentials as well?
Scouts earned merit badges in subjects such as metalworking, cycling, climbing, photography, archery, shooting, search and rescue, chess, game design, welding, archaeology, lifesaving, exploration, and wilderness survival. Some adult leaders also completed training to enhance their leadership skills and outdoor safety knowledge. Additionally, there was even a class on "napping safety" for adult leaders.
What was the mission for Troop 395's summer camp trip, and did the grant from MMCF help you achieve it? If so, in what ways?
The mission was to provide scouts with an exciting and challenging outdoor experience that fostered personal and team growth. The MMCF grant made this possible by covering costs for activities and supplies, ensuring that every scout could participate and learn.
Is there anything that you would like to convey to MMCF donors?
Thank you for your support! Your generosity provided our scouts with an unforgettable experience that they will cherish for years. You made it possible for them to learn, grow, and have fun, and we truly appreciate it!
