Feb 14, 2009 — Boy Scouts aren't supposed to get old, but they are celebrating birthday number 99.
All over the U.S., Boy Scouts are observing a century of service to community. Here the 700-plus Virgin Islands Boy Scouts have been celebrating all week.
Last Sunday, scouts attended and led church services throughout the territory. On St. Thomas, scouts led services at All Saints and St. Andrews Episcopal Churches, according to Nathan Clark, senior district executive of the St. Thomas – St. John district of the Virgin Islands council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Thursday, scouts shadowed senators, police, marshals, officials at the Transportation Security Administration, divers with the St. Thomas Dive Club, and staff at the Mahogany Run Golf Course for their career and uniform day.
"We had people go all over," Clark said. "A variety of organizations and businesses hosted scouts for the day."
Friday night, scouts feted their outstanding volunteers, including assistant scoutmaster Dwight Isles; Diane Matthews, recognized for her service to the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout's honor society; Cub Scout leader Melanie Joseph; and Venturing leader Josette Robertine Connor. Venturing is a Boy Scout youth development program for ages 14-20.
Saturday is sports day for the scouts, with volleyball, soccer, relay races and a Cub Scout rain gutter regatta, Clark said.
The regatta fleet is made up of tiny boats made by scouts and a parent and then blown down some 20 feet of rain gutter, according to Clark. The activity brings the scout and parent together in an arts and crafts project and makes them a team.
The festivities culminate Sunday with a parade starting at 2 p.m. at Addelita Cancryn Jr. High and marching to Emancipation Park. Other youth organizations are invited to join the parade and are asked to call 774-2752 or to e-mail nclark@bsamail.org.
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