Troop 121 Reflects on a Year of Growth, Service, and Scouting in Kenton

As the year comes to a close, local scouting leaders are reflecting on a year of growth and activity in Kenton.

Earlier this year, a new Scout troop was chartered in Kenton. All Boy Scout troops in the county folded during COVID, with the exception of Troop 124 in Ada. In February, Troop 121 was officially chartered with St. John’s Evangelical Church. The new troop received equipment donated by former troops from Lima and Kenton.

Recruitment efforts late last year included both boys and girls, but only a few girls joined, making Troop 121 a girls-only troop initially. Beginning December 15, Scouts BSA is introducing a Family Troop option, and paperwork is already in place for this opportunity. Troop 121 will be among the first Family, or co-ed, troops in the country.

Last Thursday, five boys completed their Arrow of Light rank in the local Cub Scout Pack and were welcomed into the new troop. They were Bruce Hemshrodt, Isiach Fisher, Jackson Helman, Lucas Brodnax, and Xavier Wireman.

The year included several service projects. Scouts participated in the annual Scouting for Food drive to benefit local food pantries and worked alongside Troop 950 in Marion at a dog shelter. Scouts also placed flags on veterans’ graves ahead of Memorial Day weekend and helped the Blue Star Mothers fill holiday care packages for troops. Scouts from Pack 121 and Troop 121 completed a combined total of 170 service hours this year.

Camping opportunities also returned, with Cub Scouts participating in both spring and fall campouts. Troop 121 attended multiple campouts at Camps Berry, Lakota, and Lazarus. Altogether, scouts logged 103 camping nights during the year.

One ongoing challenge at the troop level is the requirement from Scouting America to have a female leader present at all events where girls participate. Adults over the age of 21 who are interested in assisting with campouts and leadership are encouraged to get involved.

Troop leaders say they are excited to offer a program that allows local youth to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and develop leadership abilities. Youth in grades K–5 are invited to attend Cub Scout meetings on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30. Youth ages 11 to 18 are welcome to visit the troop on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. Registration is not required to visit, and those interested in joining can sign up at BeAScout.org.

Thanks were extended to St. John’s Evangelical Church for its continued support, as well as to community groups that provided service opportunities, camp locations, and activities throughout the year.

To learn more about Troop 121 Kenton, be sure to visit them on Facebook.