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Highlands Today

Scouters Keep Alive Old Tradition, Values

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: January 21, 2008

LAKE PLACID — Boy Scout leader Karl Gibson is proud of his Eagle Scout son, but said Travis didn't always follow the Scout motto to "Be Prepared."

During Tuesday's Troop 482 meeting at the Scout House, the elder Gibson talked about watching his son as a young scout prepare for an overnight camping trip. Although Travis neglected to fully pack, the father said nothing prior to the outing.

"We have to let them find their own way," said Karl Gibson. "Travis had to drink cereal from a coffee cup without a spoon because he forgot everything. We won't let them starve, but they don't learn anything by giving to them."

Travis Gibson recently was awarded Scouting's highest honor, and spent more than 100 nights camping last year, while also organizing a blood drive that attracted 127 donors.

The 14-year-old helps run the troop as the top Scout, or Senior Patrol Leader. "Scouting pushed me past my comfort comfort zone," said Travis Gibson. "It really helped me learn responsibility, leadership and tolerance for other people. And it's nice to get away for the weekend with other adult role models."

Norman Shiver is a troop committee chairperson and said leaders try to instill the fundamentals of self-sufficiency and integrity, by following the Boy Scout Law and Oath.

"As much as we can we try to stay out of it – we just guide them, said Shiver. "But we have to let them make mistakes . One of the best ways to learn is to make mistakes. Boys prefer to do it for themselves."

Troop 482 is the fastest growing troop in Florida, said Karl Gibson. Less than three years ago, the Masons' sponsored troop was down to four members.

On Tuesday, about two dozen Scouts and several adults prepared for an upcoming camping adventure or "Rendezvous" where individual patrols will be judged against others.

Topics will include: Dutch oven cooking, knot tying , pioneering, fire making, tower building, navigation of a compass course and first aid.

In addition to camping and earning merit badges, Troop 482 Scouts earn their own way. They host several yearly fundraisers, including poinsettia sales. The troop also regularly helps direct and park cars at several events.

An account is established for each boy based upon their earnings which can be used to pay the expense for activities such as camping trips or Scuba diving lessons.

In addition to teaching boys leadership skills, citizenship, self-esteem and "know-how, Scoutmaster Alan Richards helps troop members to learn about the bottom line.

"I don't know any other kids your age who can say they pay their way for everything," Richards told the troop.

John Miller, 86, is a troop committee member and talked about a "good, honest" Scouting program.

"Rather than sitting in front of the computer, it gets them out," said Miller. "It gets them to work together."

Eagle Scout and former Senior Patrol Leader Mark Paeplow, 18, talked about gaining leadership skills.

"I had the ability to lead my fellow peers as well as learning a high-tolerance when things are rough," said Paeplow. "When you go away for the weekend, you learn how to survive in the woods and people become friends."

Even with an emphasis on learning life skills, the boys still get at least 15 minutes during each meeting to romp around outside, away from the watchful eyes and of leaders.

"It's got to be fun or they won't come back," said Karl Gibson.

For information on the scouts, call Karl Gibson at 441-0086.

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