Bedford Scouts

In this time in our Nation's history it is a perfect time to ensure our children learn about our Nation and show our National Pride. This can be done in many ways. Six boys in Cub Scout Pack 407 BSA of Bedford did just that. The boys of Bear Den 8 were recently awarded the US Heritage Medal at their Pack's Blue and Gold Banquet.

To earn this award the Scouts and their leaders downloaded the Youth Worksheet and Adult Resource sheet from the web (www.NationsTrails.com). The worksheet included 7 items about our Nation's heritage (Declaration of Independence, Pledge of Allegiance,US Flag, the national anthem, 13 original colonies, the President, and as well as a project for each Cub Scout to complete). The 8th requirement was community service. What a natural compliment in the normal course of a Scout's year. The Community Service projects were Scouting for Food and singing Christmas Songs at a local nursing home and handing out gifts that were made or donated to the residents.

Having completed the requirements these Den Leaders ensured their six Bear Scouts would receive the US Heritage Medal and patch among their other accomplishments and that these Scouts learned and appreciated out Nations History. It is important to note that only 9 people in Texas have been awarded this medal and all of them in Pack 407 of Bedford.

Leaders: Deb and Dale Childers , Kate Watson

Bear Scouts: Oshada Silva, Andrew Augusties, Matthew Griffin, Dillian Muirhead, Caleb

Childers (all of Meadow Creek Elementary in Bedford) and Thomas Toney (of Shady

Oaks Elementary of Hurst).

Pack 407 also had the pleasure of submitting a Boy Scout for the President's Student Service Award (http://www.student-service-awards.org). This award recognizes students from kindergarten through college who contribute at least 100 hours ( 50 hours for students through eighth grade) of service to the community.

The Boy Scout served as Den Chief for two different Cub Scout Dens over the course of a year as well as contributing time and effort to district and council activities, his church and the fire department. His hours far exceeded the required time and quality of his efforts benefited everyone he worked with.

Austin Bhatt (age 13 and a Life Scout, Troop 254 of Bedford) was awarded a lapel pin designed by the White House and a certificate signed by President George Bush during the Blue and Gold Banquet. Austin is home schooled and wise beyond his years. This is a young man I know will achieve many goals that we have never dreamt of.

The most moving part of the presentation was the reaction of the Cubs in the two Dens he had served. The boys responded to his recognition as they had to him throughout his time as Den Chief: they gave him a massive group hug! What a wonderfully moving ceremony and one many people will not forget.