ANDERSON — On his desk, encased in glass, Kris Ockomon still keeps the model car he used to win the Pinewood Derby. His experience as a scout continues to guide Ockomon as mayor of Anderson.
“I’m Kris Ockomon, Pack 229, Den number four,” Ockomon said. “...In scouting there are many things they learn and I learned that I use in my everyday life.”
On Thursday, the Sakima District of the Boy Scouts of America held its 2008 Leadership Breakfast for Scouting at the Anderson Center for the Arts. The goal of the event was to insure that the values fostered by scouting continue well into the future.
By the end of the breakfast, Ockomon announced that $4,590 had been donated by those in attendance. According to the Crossroads of America Council, to which the Sakima District belongs, 25 percent of funding for the council comes from direct contributions.
Mike Harris of National City Bank and chair of the Sakima District, said the scouting experience is about more than camping and merit badges.
“Scouting serves young people by being an extension of their family, their school and their church,” Harris said. “It instills lifelong values. Times may change, but high ideals and positive values never go out of style.”
Harris said the Sakima District includes Madison County, western Henry County and northwest Hancock County, and includes 442 scouts and 572 registered adult volunteers.
In its 98 years of existence, Harris said the Boy Scouts of America has worked with 115 million young people. He described it as “...the largest youth movement in the free world.”
Cub Scout Eric Hasty of Pack 242, sponsored by Makleville North Christian Church, said he has enjoyed being a scout and looks forward to graduating to Boy Scouts next year.
“I like Cub Scouts because, since I’ve been in Cub Scouts, I’ve done some pretty good stuff,” said Hasty, who Scott plans to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. “I’ve been in a commercial with Scott Sharp, an Indy 500 driver. I’ve done camping, canoeing and even first aid.”
Meanwhile, Bradley Alcoe of Boy Scout Troop 208 said he has benefited from the social aspect of scouts and has enjoyed meeting scouts from abroad. His sister, Ashley Alcoe, is a part of the coed Venture Crew 208.
“I joined because it gave me the opportunity to do some things I wouldn’t normally do, like rappelling and white water rafting,” she said. “Scouts has helped me grow in leadership, I think.”
Local News
10:15 a.m.: Scouts hold Leadership Breakfast
- Local News
-
-
Got flowers for Valentine's Day?
If you’re a wife or girlfriend reading this story, avert your eyes. This one’s for the men in your life.
-
Elwood mayor says new administration has had zero firings
Mayor Ron Arnold, who took office Jan. 1, said his administration has not fired a single employee.
-
Local churches work with Change This World
While 1.02 billion people are undernourished and 23,483 die of starvation or preventable disease per day in the world, according to Food and Agriculture statistics on Change This World’s website, there are those who are trying to make a difference by decreasing those numbers.
-
Getting Together: Anderson Symphony Orchestra seeks musical connections
Getting patrons in the proper mood for Valentine’s Day, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra delighted its audience with both classical and popular melodies of love on Saturday night. From Tchaikovsky to the Beatles, the professional musicians performed tales of love, tragedy and romance.
-
Arrest Log: Feb. 13
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Saturday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers, but are not final until the Madison County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
-
What's Where: Feb. 13
Local meetings and activities are scheduled Monday.
-
Scott Underwood: TV section alterations on the way
Two Sundays ago, The Herald Bulletin introduced a new product called Click, replacing the TV Week section. Like TV Week, Click includes TV listings grids, sports listings and Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
-
Analysis: Exceptional voice seemed lost in Houston's excessive fame
Whitney Houston’s numerous comeback attempts never gelled into anything the public cared about.
-
Close-out sale draws shoppers before Sears leaves city
The end is near for Sears in Anderson.
-
Democrats unhappy with redrawn county districts
New County Council district lines approved late last year have drawn the ire of county Democrats who complain that the changes were made without public input.
- More Local News Headlines
-
