Centennials are huge milestones but there may be none larger than the celebration planned next month for the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
For five generations American youth have been part of the Scouting movement, and come Feb. 8, many from those generations will celebrate what being involved in Scouting has meant to them.
“It’s going to be a huge event, even here in our district,” said Marilyn Lopez, the River Trails District executive.
“I wasn’t in Scouting (as a youth), but it’s exciting seeing the boys and the older leaders reminisce and talk about what Scouting means to them,” Lopez said Monday afternoon.
Traditionally, the second week in February has for generations been recognized as Scout Week, where units commemorated the anniversary with their sponsors. Many units take part in or assist in church services or commemorate the event in other ways.
Since the national date falls on a Monday, many districts and councils are holding commemorations the following weekend. Such is the case the River Trails District.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, the district is holding a “BSA Scout Expo” at the St. Robert Community Center, 114 J.H. Williamson Drive in St. Robert.
“We’re expecting as many as 25 booths from our units and from the public,” Lopez said. “It’ll be a great celebration of Scouting and a chance for units to showcase themselves.”
The event, which is free, is being billed as “100 Years of Scouting: Past, Present and Future.” Doors will open to the public at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m.
“We encourage anyone who is a Scout, or ever has been, to come and join the celebration,” Lopez said.
“There will be games, Scouting trivia, a Dutch oven cooking contest, a Flaming Hot Cheetos contest, food offerings and Scouting displays,” Lopez said. “It’ll be a lot of fun for everyone.”
Also, this month, in anticipation of the 100th Anniversary of Scouting, River Trails District is sponsoring the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Zeno’s Motel and Steak House.
“It’s going to be a special Chamber meeting for us,” Lopez said. “We’re going to have one of our home-schooled units, Pack 434, do the flag presentation. It’ll make for a special day for them. ...
This month and certainly next is going to be special,” she said.
For more information on Scouting, call Lopez at the River Trails District office at 573 364-1504.
