By: Carter Garrett, Griffin Patrol leader
A scout is… Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. Boy Scouts are Reverent to God and our country.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner. An approved method is a flag-burning retirement ceremony. Flags should be retired in private at a non-public location and the ceremony should be a solemn, dignified event. If a flag is too large to burn properly it may be respectfully cut by first removing the blue field and then each stripe separate.
On a recent camping trip to Arkansas our troop performed a flag retirement ceremony. We invited other campers from the surrounding area to join and be a part of the ceremony. We were honored to have veterans and an Eagle Scout help us retire the flags.
Flag ceremonies do not happen often at camp. Campouts help Scouts to learn to make decisions for themselves and manage daily routines. Camping allows freedom to grow in new directions, adds maturity and guides us into making wise decisions.
At summer camp we grow by serving others. We assist in activities that provide a sense of being valuable and useful. Some activities include cleaning campsites, cleaning up after meals, and serving food. Camping also includes fun activities such as swimming, canoeing, shooting, cooking, and welding just to name a few.
Troop 160 meets every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the James Hooter Scout Hut in the Stonewall City Park. Government Plaza in Stonewall has a flag disposal box made by one of our own Eagle Scouts. Troop 160 welcomes all flag donations, and anyone interested in scouting to come and join our meetings.
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