Troop 4277 Pictures

On December 12, 2008, we held our End of Year Court of Honor. This was a special Court of Honor, as it was a not just a night of advancements for the boys and reflections of what the Troop did this year, it was also a night of transitions.

As the boys arrived, they placed the gifts they brought for the White Elephant exchange on a special table, which was clearly marked.

We started with an opening prayer from Douggie, a youth leader. He prayed for the night and the food (Branch BBQ with all the fixins! Did you get some of the sausage? Man, was it good! Nice and tender!), and everyone got in line to get a plate.

Once everyone had their food, Mr. Hood started the slide show of pictures from all the events this year. There were some great comments with some of the pictures, and several of Mr. Hood's "fishing successes." (cough, cough)

Our MC for the night, Ethan, then had Chris come up and talk about the family the Troop is adopting this year and what has been done so far. It looks like the Troop has really come together to help this family have a better Christmas.

Mr. Sands then came forward. He is starting a new tradition with the Troop, one from when he was a scout, where the boys will collect beads that represent the different activities they have participated in. Mr. Sands put together beads for Mr. Hood.

It was then time to start the awarding of merit badges, and most of the boys came forward.

Even Mr. Hines got a merit badge! His was for popcorn sales. Go Mr. Hines!

Mr. Day then came to the front and spoke about his experiences as a scout, and how he did not earn his Eagle. He spoke of how the boys should strive to get it and how he wishes he had completed his.

Mr. McCown then had Douggie come to the front. He has been working with some of the boys on their Religious Knot. He presented the boys with awards for their accomplishments.

Mr. Hood and Mrs. Bushong came to the front and helped Mr. McCown present awards for community service and "most nights camping."

Mr. Hood had a special Fishing Award for Jessie.

It was then time for Rank Advancements, complete with Mother's Pins.

Tony Moltz came forward to earn two more Eagle Palms. Only one of them would fit on his shirt, so Mr. Hood made the second one into an earring. The look on Mr. Moltz's face as Tony put on the earring was priceless. Unfortunately, Mr. Moltz was blocked from the camera, so the moment was not captured, but it was priceless. Mr. Moltz is smiling in these pictures, but not on the inside.

Special awards were then presented to the adults who have helped the Troop during the year. Mr. McCown and Mrs. Bushong first presented awards to Mr. Hood and Mr. Moltz. Mr. Moltz then had the Eagle Scouts of the Troop come forward and assist him with presenting the rest of the awards.

Mr. Sands then presented some awards to Mr. Moltz, Mr. Hood, Mr. McCown, Mr. Grant, and Mrs. Yarbrough for all their hard work this year.

Mr. Sands asked Mr. Hood to stay at the front with him and was told to close his eyes and face the wall. All of the boys then went outside to get Mr. Hood something.

Mr. Hood was very moved, and was having a hard time starting his Scoutmaster "Minute." Because this was his last Scoutmaster Minute, this one was longer than any of the others. Mr. Hood spoke of many things that have occurred during his Scoutmaster days, the sacrifices his family has made, the boys who have come through the program under his watch, and the adults who have been there to help him. It was a very good Scoutmaster Minute. He presented the boys with vials that contain the ashes from his Scout shirt, which he burned at the Fox Bottom hiking campout last month. He then presented his own awards to the adults who have helped him over the years.

Mr. Hood then officially turned the Troop over to Mr. Sands, giving him his own Scoutmaster Patch for his shirt. He also gave Mr. Sands the left sleeve from the Scout shirt that he burned, and a walking stick. If you are interested in reading what Mr. Hood had to say, here is the transcript of his final Scoutmaster Minute: John Hood Scoutmaster Retirement (PDF)

Gibson then read a closing prayer, provided by Stephen. Andrew blew taps on his bugle, and the Court of Honor was officially closed.

The boys then circled up and did their White Elephant gift exchange, with Mrs. Moltz reading the traditional story that directs the passing of gifts around the circle.

On this night, a number of leadership positions formally changed:

Mr. Hood stepped down as Scoutmaster.
Mr. Moltz stepped down as Committee Chairman.
Mr. McCown stepped down as Advancement Coordinator.
Mr. Grant stepped down as Treasurer.

Mr. Sands has taken over as Scoutmaster. He has been working with Mr. Hood for over a year.
Mr. Meserole has taken over as Committee Chairman. He has been working with Mr. Moltz for over a year.
Mrs. Bushong has taken over as Advancement Coordinator. She has been working with Mr. McCown for several months.
Mr. Honeycutt has taken over as Treasurer. He has been working with Mr. Grant for several months.

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