Scouts BSA Troop 5B (Boys) and Troop 5G (Girls) of the Daniel Webster Council have spent the last twelve months of the Covid Pandemic turning lemons into lemonade. Figuratively, of course. The 60+ member organization has pivoted over the last year in order to keep the spirit and mission of scouting alive for the boys and girls who’ve grown up in scouting.

Over the last year, the Troops have managed to host in-person meetings, while supplementing when necessary with Zoom meetings. For those Scouts who want to remain remote, the Troop has established a hybrid approach for this “cyber” patrol. The Troop also coordinated a successful holiday fundraiser delivering and collecting over 150 Christmas trees.

Nine youth members of Troop 5B earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2020, which is above a typical year, and the girls in Troop 5G continue to advance in rank as well.

Interest in Troop 5 from up-and-coming Cub Scouts continues to be high. During the recent crossover season (when Cub Scouts graduate to Scouts BSA Troops) Troop 5 welcomed 18 new Scouts.

When asked what he’s learned this year as the Senior Patrol Leader, Bedford High School Junior- Jake Sevigny says, “Despite the numerous challenges we’ve had over the past year, it’s been really important to keep a positive attitude”. He adds, “Some of the smallest successes have been the most important during this really difficult time.”

5B Scoutmaster Kai Nalenz admits, “Nothing could have prepared us for a worldwide pandemic. The Scouts of Troop 5 did not waiver. They stayed strong in their commitment to Scouting and their communities by volunteering countless hours to community service and completing nine Eagle projects in 2020.”

Scoutmaster Amy Kemp of the Girls’ Troop 5G has been most impressed that “even with limitations due to the pandemic, Troop 5 Scouts found ways to work on merit badges, complete Eagle Projects, advance in rank, perform community service, and even go camping. I think these activities really helped our Scouts and the adults cope.”

Although the world has changed over the past year, the Scouts of Bedford’s Troop 5 have not. They are still committed to Scouting and their community and having fun doing it. Learn more about Bedford Troop 5 by visiting: www.troopwebhost.org/troop5bedford.