Montana Chapter Soars with Boy Scout Partnership
By Kim Wold, RMEF District Chair, Montana
On March 28, volunteers from RMEF’s Flathead Valley Chapter proudly witnessed seven outstanding young men from Montana Troop 1901 receive the highest Boy Scout rank, Eagle Scout. The Flathead Chapter and Troop 1901 have had a unique partnership that began more than five years ago, when Troop 1901 first conducted the banquet flag ceremony at the Kalispell big game banquet.
Since then, Troop 1901 has teamed with the chapter every year, working hand-in-hand with committee members, helping with banquet day preparations in any way they can. The Troop is dedicated to the RMEF mission and has contributed to the success of each banquet.
In addition, each July Troop 1901 conducts the flag ceremony for the Flathead Chapter’s Partners in Conservation appreciation event. Over the course of the weekend, the Scouts participate in and help with RMEF SAFE Challenge and elk calling seminars. A few have even won the elk calling contest! The Troop also sells hot dogs, lemonade and cookies, with proceeds going toward the Troop’s trip to Camp Meriwether on the Oregon coast.
The Flathead Valley Chapter congratulates Brad Jones, Brandon Meadors, Hayden Jeschke, Kyle Direito, Mitch Byrnes, Nic Cramer and Sean Hartford on achieving their Eagle Scout rank. A special thank you to Mary Jo Cramer, who has been their scout leader for more than 12 years, and scout master Randy Collins. They have teamed up to lead, educate, guide and encourage these Scouts throughout the years. We thank these Eagle Scouts, who have enriched our community, parks, trails, schools, recreation areas, a church and a sports complex through their volunteerism. We wish these high school seniors a bright future ahead.
The Flathead Chapter really enjoys working with Troop 1901. Our volunteers have enjoyed watching the scouts develop and grow in their responsibilities over the past five years, and look forward to continuing to work with the Troop. These youths have strong core values, a good work ethic and understand the importance of conservation. These young men give back and are our leaders of tomorrow. We challenge other chapters to recruit, engage and mentor a Boy or Girl Scout Troop near you.