Thousands of scouts attend expo at Beale

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class George Cloutier
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AFB, Calif. (ACCNS) --  Thousands of scouts from across the northern California region descended upon the base Oct. 28-30 to celebrate 100 years of scouting. 

The event, which was held in the Dragon Town area, was a cooperative effort between the Boy Scouts and other scouting organizations to bring more than 6,500 scouts and leaders to the base for a weekend of camping and activities. 

"We're very appreciative ... that we are able to do this and have been allowed on base," said James Martin, Boy Scouts of America Golden Empire Council scout executive. "It's been phenomenal -- we couldn't have asked for anything more." 

Scouts attending the expo participated in a number of activities put on by other scout troops and venture crews in the council. Events and activities included: rock wall climbing; BMX bikes; archery; tomahawk throwing; fly fishing instruction; and more. In addition to these activities, scouts visited the flight line area to view static displays of the U-2, T-38, RQ-4 Global Hawk and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, as well as participate in interactive demonstrations put on by Team Beale members. 

According to Thom Gilbert, Golden Empire Council president, events such as the expo play a big part in the scouting program by providing opportunities for scouts to demonstrate their leadership skills, learn from older scouts and solidify the traditional values the scouting program teaches -- something many kids don't get anywhere else.

"Part of the strength of this program is the traditional values we try to instill in young people," said Dave Ishikawa, scout expo event coordinator. "In today's world, a lot of kids just don't have those opportunities to belong to an organization that teaches them about character and being a good citizen." 

"I think scouts are probably more important today than ever because there are so many other options for kids that don't get them away from the TV and out into the wilderness," Mr. Gilbert added. 

Mr. Ishikawa said these skills of leadership, as well as the morals that the scouting program teaches, are a great asset to youth in their lives outside of scouting. 

"Everything I learned in scouting, I use in the Air Force today," said Col. John Borland, 9th Mission Support Group commander. Colonel Borland is also a leader in Beale's Pack 64.