Webster Word

Troop 965

Court of honor

An impressive number of rank advancements and other personal achievements were commemorated by Boy Scout Troop 965 of Webster, MD, at their biannual Court of Honor on Wednesday, Oct 24. In total, 118 merit badges, 26 rank advancements, and one World Conservation Award were earned since the last celebration six months ago. Of particular note, the rank advancements bring the total of scouts earning the rank of Life up to about 40% of the total number of boys registered with the troop – next step is Eagle! The troop also recognized 7 scouts and 2 adult leaders for their recent induction into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s celebration was Mac Placzankis. Holding the top positions of responsibility for the next six months will be: Senior Patrol Leader: Max Knight; Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: Jason Gonch; Patrol Leaders – Hawk: Ryan Beatty; Panther: Robbie Gott; Flying Eagle: Morgan Schwartz; Cobra: Page Sheldon; Dragon: Dan Schoeberlein; Trailblazer: Paul Butz.

Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail

Autumn is the ideal time for a walk in the woods and the weekend of October 20 – 21 was that time for 31 scouts and scouters from Troop 965. They set off for a weekend backpack trip along the Appalachian Trail in Northern Virginia and West Virginia. Arranged by skill and ability levels, this group participated in 5, 10 and 15 mile treks along this often hilly section of trail. The more ambitious 15 mile hikers had their planned Friday afternoon departure postponed to very early Saturday morning by a line of strong thunderstorms that moved through the area. Undaunted by the delay the group completed what had been planned as a two-day backpack trip between Keys Gap to south of Snickers Gap in one, challenging day. All of the hikers converged at the beautiful Bears Den Trail Center’s group campground on Saturday evening and enjoyed a well earned dinner and good night’s rest.