baldibear@aol.com
Dave Robinson, Scoutmaster
P. O. Box 673
Monmouth, OR 97361
United States
Cascade Pacific Council
Willamette District
Boy Scout Troop 737
Cornerstone Church of God
MEETING LOCATION
The Cornerstone Church of God is located on the very corner of 7th. & "E" streets in Independence, OR. We meet in the Fellowship Hall. Enter the building using the "E" street entrance (south side of the building), through double doors to the right.
SCOUT TROOP MEETINGS
Every Thursday evening from 7:00pm--8:30pm.
TROOP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Second Tuesday of each month.
TELEPHONE CONTACTS
Charter Organization Representative/Committee Chairman
Roy Zirpoli (503)606-9447, Pager: (503) 370-3487
Scoutmaster
Dave Robinson
Home Phone: (503)838-5364
Voice Mail Pager(503)375-8002
CHARTER ORGANIZATION
Troop 737 was organized and chartered by the Cornerstone Church of God, affiliated with the Church of God of Cleveland, TN, as an outreach ministry to the youth of Independence and Monmouth, OR. Th Troop began with a "special needs" designation; a Scout Troop specializing in an integrated program for boys with diagnosed disa-bilities. As an "integrated" troop, boys without disabilities are recruited as well as those with disabilities, and together they make up Troop 737. At present (9-30-98) we have 24 enrolled Scouts of which 11 have diagnosed disabilities* and of the 10 adult leaders, four have disabilities*.
NOTE FOR ASTERISK (*): (These terms are used here to clarify the term "special needs". It is my opinion that every individual has a special need. However, many of us have 'diagnosed disabilities,' meaning, a physician or medical authority has attached a label to a special need that a person may have. For example: ADHD, ADD, MR/DD, Schizophrenia,etc. Others may have a 'disability,'for example, diabetes, amputation(s), high blood pressure, blindness, emotional disturbance, phobia(s), etc. In this writers opinion, I have special needs--partial denture, eye-glasses for reading, medication to control blood pressure, etc. I can't function properly without medication or prosthesis (glasses) for these ailments.)
Scouting today is much different than what it was when I was a Scout in the '60's! I don't recall ever meeting anyone at Camp-O-Ree or at a Jamboree that had a disability. Today, however, I have met numerous Scouts and Scouters alike with disabilities!
This change is good.....it is HONORABLE.....and it is TIMELY! Scouting is adventure! Scouting is challenging and it demands committment. In todays society, our youth need adventure to keep them away from gang violence, they need a challenge that tests their limitations and demands their best.
For the person with a disability, it is none the less important. Scouting provides an avenue for adventure through different age/grade levels of rank, numerous physical feats, and mental challenges. Hiking, camping, piloting a canoe, sailing a boat, swimming, fishing, backpacking, mountain climbing, rapelling, snorkelling, etc., etc. provide limitless opportunity for individual achievement.
Scouting for those with "disabilities" has come to a new horizon. The emphasis today is on personal ABILITIES, and not on ones "dis" ability. Recently I saw a sign that read, "disABILITIES accommodated here!" How refreshing! You had to look to see the prefix "dis," for the word "ABILITIES" was written three times larger than the prefix! Scouting has taken this same approach. Every boy is accepted based upon his own ability and merit. If for some physical, mental, or emotional reason he hits a barrier, that "barrier" can be modified so he can cross over it....himself!
With the new Modified Requirements for Advancement, age is no longer a barrier. Several Scouts in my Troop are 18 years old. Usually the cut-off age for Boy Scouts. With a signed statement from a medical professional, these same Scouts with disabilities can now stay with their friends indefinetly! I heard awhile back that a Scout in Anchorage, Alaska, 45 years old, received his Eagle Rank!!! FANTASTIC!!
My goal in creating this website is to create a RESOURCE BANK for Scouts and Scouters. How your Scout Troop handled a certain situation to include a Scout or Scouts with disabilities. How you modified a Merit Badge requirement so a Scout could finally get his patch. Questions you might have. Knowledge you have gleaned from years of experience in working with individuals with "special needs."
SCOUTING IS FOR EVERYONE.......SO IS THIS SITE.....PLEASE HELP ME IN BUILDING A RESOURCE FOR YOU!
Dave
SCOUTING IS FOR EVERYONE!!
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