BL 3rd Ward: BOY SCOUT DISABILITIES AWARENESS BADGE EVENT and SCOUT COURT OF HONOR

On April 15, 2016 Tanner Nelson led the Scouts in earning the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge. For every weekend in the month of April, a few of the older scouts were asked to organize a camp out as part of learning and demonstrating organization and leadership skills. In lieu of the hike/camp out Tanner chose to teach the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge because it is a subject that is very close to his heart.
Tanner’s parents, Andrew and Nikki, are Merit Badge Counselors for the badge and have been teaching it for a couple of years now. Tanner asked each of them to take part in the discussion; however Tanner did teach quite a few sections of the merit badge requirements. As part of his role for his assigned weekend, he handled the organization of the night, along with communication with other scouts and set up the house so it was ready for the class. He also had participation treats and tickets to hand out for a drawing at the end. He planned dinner and dessert, and he even cleaned everything up after it was over. He did a great job.

The Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge has several parts to it and is a lot of information to learn. Nikki helped the Scouts learn what Person First language is and how to use it correctly. Mark Twain said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and the lightening bug.” Person First language says, “put the person before the disability, and describe what a person has, not who a person is.” She continued with the A-Z Guide for Disability Etiquette and what’s right and wrong when dealing with people who have special needs or disabilities. She also named some of the local agencies that can help people with disabilities. She finished up her section by teaching them about Advocacy and what it means for people with Special Needs, also mentioning several common myths and misconceptions.

Tanner took the requirement of helping them talk to an individual who has a disability by bringing his brother Carter, who has Cerebral Palsy, into the room. He taught them all about Carter and his life so they could understand his experiences and the activities that Carter likes. He shared several pictures with the boys from the last 8 years of his brother’s life, showing things from surgeries to play time. He also shared 3 videos that showed Carter in action outside of his wheelchair. This was a big hit for the Scouts. Tanner encouraged Carter to answer their questions and when he couldn’t, Tanner helped him. Tanner’s portion concluded with pictures of locations around town that showed their accessibility to people with disabilities. He shared locations that needed to make some improvements and offered suggestions on how they could do that. He also shared locations that have made their sites friendly to people with disabilities.
Andrew closed the teaching portion of the class up by discussing professions that provide services to people with disabilities so they can work there. He led a discussion on how their awareness had changed as a result of what they had learned. They all were committed to showing a more positive attitude to people with disabilities and to encourage those around them to do so as well.

The Scouts had dinner and dessert following the teaching. They inhaled 8 large pizza’s and 4 large bread sticks faster than the boxes could be moved out of the way. Dessert was chocolate cake and ice cream. It was heard by several to be the best chocolate cake they had ever eaten. The boys played with nerf guns and visited, following dessert and then went home. It was a great Merit Badge class. There was lots to learn and lots to eat. A good time was had by all.
(Photos & collages contributed by Nikki Nelson)

SCOUT COURT OF HONOR

The Court of Honor for Boy Scout Troop 383 was held Sunday, April 24th in the cultural hall at the Church. Aaron Carey Jr. announced the posting of the colors

Aaron Carey, Parents Cristalle & Aaron

(flags), then Nate Davis conducted. There were fifteen scouts in attendance, divided up into 'Foxes' and 'Bears.” Many parents & other Ward Members also attended.
New leaders were selected. Nate Davis received a Scout Backpack. He also has earned his Star merit badge.

Nate Davis & Parents, Tami & Scott

Guy Ludlow, Lucas Ashton, Tyler Slack and Michael Mullins were awarded 'Life' badges, along with pins they presented & pinned on their mothers; they were also obligated to kiss their moms on the cheek. Nate also pinned his mother with a Star pin.

Guy Ludlow, Parents - Wendy & Brian

These are Huge accomplishments for these young men! They are to be commended. I was so proud of them!
Imagine how their parents felt!!
Thank you Scoutmaster, Aaron Carey, and Advancement Chairman – Gordon Larson - for all your hard work & loving & caring about these precious young men!
Refreshments & visiting ended this great evening!!!

Lucas Ashton, Parents Celia & Jeff

It is my understanding that the 'Life” merit badge immediately precedes a Scout's working towards getting his Eagle, so that means those five young men listed above will now begin their Eagle Scout projects, if they haven't already!. The 'Star' merit badge precedes the 'Life', so Nate Davis is right behind them!