Citizenship in the Community – Boy Scout Troop 637 Works Toward Merit Badge
Boy Scout Troop 637
by Terri Wiebold
Ten members of local Boy Scout Troop 637 attended the January 28 City of Castle Pines North City Council meeting, working toward achieving their “Citizenship in the Community” merit badge.
The Scout Troop opened the meeting with a presentation of the colors (American and Colorado flags) and led the audience in The Pledge of Allegiance.
According to Troop 637 Scout Master David Neely, who is also A City Council Member for Ward III, one of the requirements of earning the Citizenship in the Community badge is to attend a city or town council or school board meeting and choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed. The boys are then asked to explain to their Scout Master why they agree with one opinion more than another one.
During the meeting, Councilman Ron Clark introduced the idea of adding Colorado Day, which falls on August 1, to the list of national holidays the Council was voting on to adopt as official holidays for observance on the city calendar. Councilman Chris Dooley explained that while Colorado is an important part of local history, not everyone is from Colorado and, in his opinion only national holidays should be observed on the city’s calendar.
Following a fun and spirited discussion, the Council voted to accept the Douglas County guidelines of national holidays for its calendar, which does not include Colorado Day.
Neely said that for many of the boys, this was their first exposure to local government.
“I have never been to one of these before and I did not know what to expect,” said 12-year-old Boy Scout First Class Austin Matthys. “It’s pretty cool, I guess, what they do.”
To view the specific requirements of the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge, as well as other Merit Badge descriptions and requirements, go to:
Good luck Troop 637 in earning your Citizenship in the Community merit badges!
