Court of Honor celebrates productive spring, active summer calendar

On Monday, June 7, Troop 50 families gathered at Auburn University’s Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest to celebrate Scouts’ advancement efforts during the spring. The troop’s spring court of honor also marked the transfer of responsibility to a new group of youth leaders who will serve in leadership roles during the second half of the year.

The court of honor was the last troop function Will presided over as senior patrol leader. He welcomed families and led a traditional opening that included the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Law, and a prayer. Assisted by Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jake, he also presented advancements earned by Scouts in the spring — which included eight ranks and 20 merit badges.

Senior Patrol Leader Will (left) congratulations Thomas on the merit badges he earned this spring.

After a series of uncontested troop elections, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird installed the troop’s summer/fall youth leadership. Among those serving the troop will be Jake, senior patrol leader; Olen, assistant senior patrol leader; Connor, troop quartermaster; Rhett, troop guide; and outgoing senior patrol leader Will, who will serve as troop instructor.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird leads the troop's newest youth leaders in the oath of office.
They include (right to left): Rhett, troop guide; Will, troop instructor; Jake, senior patrol leader;
Connor, troop quartermaster; Beck, Gladiators patrol leader; and Johnson, Wizard Lizards patrol leader.

Continuing its tradition, the troop also celebrated Will’s service as senior patrol leader during the spring. Scoutmaster Baird presented Will with a hand-carved neckerchief slide — a recognition item he’s bestowed on outgoing SPL’s since the troop’s founding in 2012, including Will’s older brother and past SPL Camp.

Will accepts a hand-carved neckerchief slide commemorating his term as senior patrol leader
from Scoutmaster Baird.

The spring court of honor represents a pause in weekly troop meetings for the summer, but the troop will still remain active during the summer. Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford announced that the troop is considering a summertime opportunity to reschedule its annual planning retreat, which was postponed in April due to weather.

A contingent led by assistant scoutmasters Matt Podemski and Christian Dagg will depart June 15 for the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, Scouts BSA’s premier experience for canoeing and winter camping. The five-person crew will spend a week canoeing the biodiverse waterways of the Northern Boreal Forest unique to Northern Minnesota and Canada.

Another group will enjoy a traditional summer camp experience at Camp Sequoyah in north Alabama located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and on the edge of Talladega National Forest; Camp Sequoyah is a wilderness destination steeped in Scouting Spirit and the beauty of Northeast Alabama.

At its weekly meeting prior to the court of honor, the troop hosted elections for membership in the Order of the Arrow. Scouts who were elected will learn of their election either while attending summer camp or through some other manner prior to Chattahoochee Lodge’s Aug. 6-8 Summer OA Induction weekend.

The troop anticipates resuming its weekly meeting schedule in August.

For more photos from the court of honor, visit the troop’s online photo album. Stay up to date on the troop’s Northern Tier and summer camp experiences here on the troop blog.

Court of honor, annual Christmas party put a bow on an ‘unprecedented’ 2020

Troop 50’s December court of honor and annual Christmas party put the proverbial bow on a year during which the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted weekly troop meetings and monthly campouts. Despite those interruptions, Scouts persevered as evidenced by the number of merit badges and new ranks presented during the troop’s Sunday, Dec. 13 court of honor. The event also included the troop’s annual Christmas celebration, “Dirty Santa” gift exchange, and toy collection for the City of Auburn Department of Public Safety’s toy drive. 

Trey and Luke (left) congratulate the troop's newest Life Scouts: (left to right) Will, Olen and Tyson

Senior Patrol Leader Trey and Lead Troop Guide Luke opened the court of honor with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Scout Law — followed by an opening prayer by Chaplain’s Aide Rhett. They then presented Scouts with 63 merit badges and 18 ranks (along with the now-common pandemic fist-bump) — the results of several advancement-focused outings like October’s wilderness survival campout and November’s advancement campout, and the postponement of the troop’s traditional June court of honor. 

Troop Chaplain Michael Tullier (left) and Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford (right)
congratulate Creighton Williams on earning the God and Life religious award.

In his role as the troop’s chaplain, Chartered Organization Representative Michael Tullier presented Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Creighton Williams with the God and Life religious emblem award. He explained to Scouts and parents that the religious awards program provides Scouts with a way of living out their “duty to God” commitment. The awards opportunities can be pursued in troop-based group settings, individually with Scouts’ families, or under the guidance of a religious leader. Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford, who has also served as Creighton’s Auburn United Methodist Church D-Group leaders since the seventh grade, assisted with the presentation. [Update, Dec. 31, 2020, Programs for Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) featured Creighton's achievement on its website.]

The troop's elected and appointed youth leadership for the first half of 2021
take the official oath of office.

The December court of honor also marked the transition of youth leadership. As is the troop’s tradition, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird introduced Scouts elected during the Dec. 7 troop elections, along with Scouts selected for other troop and patrol positions. Those serving in new leadership positions for the first half of 2021 include (front row, left to right) Tyson, senior patrol leader; Will, assistant senior patrol leader, and Rusty, junior assistant scoutmaster; (second row), Conner, lead troop guide; Jake, lead troop instructor; Olen, troop quartermaster; (third row), Rhett, Gladiators patrol leader; Harrison, Gladiators assistant patrol leader; Beck, Wizard Lizards patrol leader; and James, Wizard Lizards assistant patrol leader. Not pictured is Jason, promoted to junior assistant scoutmaster in anticipation of earning his Eagle Scout rank in the spring. 

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird (right) officially welcomes Chris Baker as one of the troop's
newest assistant scoutmasters for 2020.

Scoutmaster Baird also recognized the troop’s newest assistant scoutmaster: Chris Baker, who has been serving in the role since the spring, and Creighton Williams, who earned his Eagle Scout in 2018 and moves into an adult volunteer role having turned 18. 

Outgoing SPL Trey and Scoutmaster Baird

A closeup of Trey's pandemic-era
SPL neckerchief slide

Scoutmaster Baird also honored the extended service outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Trey provided the troop for 2020. While youth leaders’ tenure in an elected position is usually limited to six-month terms, Trey served in his elected capacity for all of 2020 due to the pandemic. In presenting Trey with the traditional handmade neckerchief slide denoting past senior patrol leaders (with the addition of 2020’s ubiquitous face mask), Scoutmaster Baird noted that Trey makes serving as SPL a family affair — his brother Andrew, one of the troop’s founding members, served twice as SPL during the latter half of 2013 and the first half of 2015.

To conclude the court of honor, Scoutmaster Baird noted that, despite the cancellation of many of the troop’s spring events due to the pandemic, as well as having to adapt many summer and fall outings, the troop had much to celebrate in terms of advancement and accomplishments. Together, Scouts collectively logged 159 camping nights, 257 service hours and 354 hiking miles. 2020 also included one new Eagle Scout and the start of several new Eagle Scout leadership service projects now in various stages of planning and execution. At least three Scouts are poised to earn their Eagles in 2021.

$5 and two boxes of Pop-Tarts ... what else
could a Scout want for Christmas, right, James?

As everyone enjoyed holiday treats and sweets, Scouts and leaders gathered around wrapped gifts for the troop’s customary “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. As with past years, gifts included numerous camping tools and gadgets like flashlights, pocket knives, and first-aid kits. Perhaps the most clever gift, in keeping with the theme of gifts useful for campouts, was the two boxes of Pop-Tarts (accompanied by a five-dollar bill). And the award for most frequently stolen gifts went to Jackson, who had at least three gifts stolen during the course of the gift exchange.

Giving gifts to one another wasn’t Scouts’ only focus. In honor of the Christmas season, and in keeping with the troop’s practice since its first Christmas court of honor in 2012, troop families donated toys that will be gifted to Auburn’s Department of Public Safety as part of its annual toy drive. Gifts included sports equipment, games and other outdoor recreational items. 

The court of honor and Christmas gathering represent the troop’s final events for 2020. The troop’s Patrol Leaders Council will hold its first meeting of the new year on Monday, Jan. 4, and the entire troop will meet on Monday, Jan. 11. The locations for both meetings will be announced.

For more photos from the court of honor and party, visit the troop’s online photo album.

June court of honor celebrates advancement, service

At its spring court of honor on Monday, June 10, Troop 50 celebrated the advancement success of its Scouts, which included 18 Scouts advancing in rank and 15 earning at least one merit badge since the troop’s December 2018 court of honor. The evening’s event also included the induction of new youth leaders and other individual recognitions.

Outgoing Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Hunter called the court of honor to order and led the group in the traditional opening of the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, Scout Law and Outdoor Code. Dinner, featuring a taco bar with all the fixings, followed.

Lead Troop Guide Joe congratulates Harris, one of the troop's newest members, on earning the Scout rank.

The court of honor program resumed after dinner with the presentation of ranks, which spanned the awarding of the Scout rank to several Scouts who recently crossed over from Webelos, to the Life rank. As Hunter announced Scouts to be recognized, outgoing Lead Troop Guide Joe handled the duties of distributing the ranks and congratulating Scouts on their accomplishments. Hunter and Joe continued in their duties as the troop bestowed a total of 29 Eagle-required and elective merit badges, as well as Firem’n Chit and Totin’ Chip awards.

The troop's newest slate of youth leaders accept the oath of office for their respective positions.

New Senior Patrol Leader Everett (right) and Assistant
Senior Patrol Leader Luke (left) proudly display their new
position patches.

At the troop’s June 3 meeting, Scouts elected a new slate of youth leaders for the second half of 2019. Scoutmaster Andrew Baird administered the oath of office to those Scouts, which included:

• Senior Patrol Leader: Everett
• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: Luke
• Lead Instructor: Trey
• Lead Troop Guide: Hunter
• Troop Quartermaster: Michael
• Assistant QM: Harrison M.
• Scribe: Conner
• Troop Bulger: Jason
• Troop Chaplain’s Aide: Rhett
• Pop Tart Turtles: Patrol Leader, Tyson; Assistant Patrol Leader, Gideon; Patrol QM, Harrison M.
• Radioactive Snowmen: Patrol Leader, Will; Assistant Patrol Leader, Connor; Patrol QM, Jake
• New Junior Assistant Scoutmaster: Camp

Scoutmaster Baird also presented the troop’s annual James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the award is bestowed on the troop's “top Scout” based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. This year’s honoree was outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Camp, who will be presented the award at the troop’s next court of honor since he was unable to be present due to previously scheduled travels.

Will (left) and Tyson (right)

The troop concluded the awards program with a variety of other recognitions, including the election of Tyson and Will to the Order of the Arrow at the troop’s June 3 meeting. The Order of the Arrow, or “OA” — also referred to as Scouting's National Honor Society — recognizes Scouts and leaders who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Arrowmen, as OA members are known, are regarded for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. Tyson and Will will be invited to attend an upcoming OA induction weekend, and after their successful participation, will become official OA members.

Scouting is a family affair for the Bairds:
Scoutmaster Andrew Baird and
Assistant Scoutmaster Davis Baird

Scoutmaster Baird also highlighted the service provided by several adult leaders. These included new assistant scoutmasters Matt Jordan and Joe Lovvorn. He also bestowed a special handmade neckerchief slide to his son Davis who, while a college student, has served as an assistant scoutmaster, especially during vital times when additional last-minute adult leadership was needed. Davis, an Eagle Scout, will be graduating from Auburn University soon and beginning his service in the U.S. Air Force.

Additional photos from the court of honor are available in the troop's online photo album.

The June 10 court of honor is the troop’s final Monday-night activity for the summer. It will resume its regular meeting schedule with a Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 5, and its next troop meeting on Monday, Aug. 12. In the meantime, Scouts and leaders will travel to Camp Rainey Mountain in Clayton, Georgia, for summer camp the week of June 23, followed by its annual “Chill at the Lake” family outing on Saturday, July 27.

A Troop 50-style Christmas

Troop 50 Scouts with many of the toys donated through the troop's Toys for Tots drive.

Luke opens the court of honor as
master of ceremonies

On Sunday, Dec. 16, Troop 50 Scouts, leaders and families gathered for the troop's final event of 2018 — its annual December court of honor and Christmas party. It also included the swearing-in of new youth leaders elected and appointed at the troop’s meeting on Monday, Dec. 10.

To complete one of the requirements for Communications Merit Badge, Luke opened the court of honor and served as its master of ceremonies. Following the opening flag presentation, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird offered parents a brief overview of various high-adventure opportunities the troop was considering for future summer outings. These options include Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Northern Tier High-Adventure Base in Northern Minnesota/Southern Canada, Florida Sea Base in the Florida Keys, and The Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve in West Virginia.

Whit receives Architecture Merit Badge from Senior Patrol Leader Joe (left)
and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jason (center)

Following a brief break so Scouts and families could enjoy a buffet of sweet and salty treats, the ceremony resumed with the presentation of ranks, ranging from Tenderfoot to First Class, to four Scouts. Additionally, the court of honor included the presentation of 15 merit badges — including Architecture Merit Badge, which three Scouts earned as part of the troop’s Merit Badge Day held the previous weekend.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the troop's oath of office for elected and appointed youth leaders.

During the court of honor, youth leaders elected and appointed at the troop’s Dec. 10 meeting were installed. They include:

• Senior Patrol Leader: Camp
• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: Hunter
• Lead Troop Guide: Joe
• Lead Instructor and Bugler: Jason
• Troop Scribe: Trey
• Troop Chaplain’s Aide: Rhett
• Instructors: Michael V. and Luke
• Junior Assistant Scoutmasters: Louie Harris, Aiden Lytle, Liam Schallock, Nicholas Zuk and Creighton Williams
• Pop Tart Turtles Patrol: Boone (patrol leader), Luke (assistant patrol leader) and James (quartermaster)
• Radioactive Snowmen Patrol: Miles (patrol leader), Tyson (assistant patrol leader) and Will (quartermaster)

Joe and Scoutmaster Baird

The ceremony was the final troop event under the leadership of outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Joe. To mark his six-month tenure, Scoutmaster Baird presented Joe with the traditional handmade neckerchief slide that has come to distinguish Scouts serving in the troop’s top youth leadership position.

At the conclusion of the official court of honor program, Scouts and a few leaders set aside formalities (and, some might say at times, civility) for the troop’s annual “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. As with past year’s gift-exchanges, highly coveted and exchanged presents included camping gadgets like flashlights and multi-function tools, as well as a few technology items like Bluetooth speakers.

Connor celebrates opening one of the frequently "stolen" pocket knives as part of the troop's "Dirty Santa" game.

The court of honor also included the troop’s annual holiday service project — a Toys for Tots drive to support the efforts of the City of Auburn's Public Safety Department. Gifts donated by Troop 50 families included bicycles, sports gear, board games, books and toddler toys. Typically, after all the court of honor activities are over, Scouts and leaders would walk the donations to the main City of Auburn fire station; however, because the station is under construction, the toys were later delivered to the city’s Department of Public Safety office.

The troop’s Patrol Leaders Council will meet on Monday, Jan. 7, and the troop will resume its regular Monday evening meetings on Monday, Jan. 14.

For more photos from the court of honor, visit the troop’s online photo album.

...and they all scream for ice cream

Troop 50’s annual end-of-the-spring court of honor on Sunday, June 3, celebrated the scenes and flavors of summer as Scouts, leaders and families gathered at the Moore’s Mill Neighborhood Pool for an afternoon event that included an ice cream sundae bar and a dip in the pool. The event was not all play, as the troop had some serious business to attend to — namely, electing its summer/fall youth leaders and the recognizing several Scouts for their advancement efforts.

Scoutmaster Baird installs newly elected youth leaders, which included (left to right)
Patrol Leader Olen, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jason, and Senior Patrol Leader Joe.
Jacob, who is expected to complete his Eagle Scout Board of Review in the coming weeks,
was installed as a junior assistant scoutmaster.

Harrison was among the troop's newest Scouts who received
their Scout rank following their crossover from
Webelos to the troop in April.

First on the agenda were troop elections for senior patrol leader and patrol leaders. The slate of nominees included several long-serving and dedicated Scouts. Following campaign speeches by candidates and voting by the Scouts in attendance, the summer/fall cadre of elected leaders will include Joe, elected as senior patrol leader, and Camp and Olen, who were elected as patrol leaders. Additional appointments included Jason, who Joe selected as his assistant senior patrol leader. Also appointed as junior assistant scoutmasters were Liam, who was presented his Eagle Scout rank at a ceremony in May, and Jacob, who has completed his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project and is expected to pass his board of review this summer.

This court of honor cycle included 10 rank advancements (most of which were Scout ranks awarded to our newest Scouts) and 25 merit badges. It also include two Eagle Scout palms — a gold one for Louie and a silver one for Creighton.

Outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Rusty receives a neckerchief slide handmade by
Scoutmaster Baird, which has come to indicate the troop's past senior patrol leaders.

The final two items on the court of honor agenda included recognizing several Scouts for their exceptional achievement. This included outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Rusty, who Scoutmaster Andrew Baird presented with the traditional handmade neckerchief slide denoting those Scouts who have served in the troop’s top leadership position.

Jacob receives the Honor Scout Award from Scoutmaster Baird. This year's co-recipient, Creighton,
who was unable to be present for the court of honor, will receive his recognition at a later date.

By the end of the court of honor,
the ice cream bar had been
decimated.

Scoutmaster Baird also awarded this year’s Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award is bestowed annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. Competition for this year’s award was steep, resulting in unprecedented co-winners — former senior patrol leaders Jacob and Creighton.

The spring court of honor concludes the end of the troop’s regular school-year programming. Summer activities will include a contingent attending summer camp at Camp Daniel Boone in North Carolina, the troop’s annual “Chill at the Lake” summer family gathering, and the conclusion of the troop’s God and Life Protestant religious emblems program. The troop will resume its regular Monday-evening troop meetings on Monday, Aug. 6.

Additional photos from the troop's spring court of honor are available on the troop's online photo album.

Troop concludes 2017 with annual court of honor, Christmas party and toy drive

Conner, the troop's newest Scout, receives his first
merit badge – Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge

It should be no surprise in December that Troop 50 Scouts look forward to two things — advancement awards and Christmas presents. The troop’s annual December court of honor failed to disappoint on Monday, Dec. 18, when Scouts gathered with their families for the presentation of merit badges and ranks, as well as a spirited “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. The court of honor featured the presentation of seven rank advancements and 38 merit badges — the majority earned during the troop’s recent Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge class at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and Merit Badge Day.

Scoutmaster Baird installs the newly elected youth leaders.

With Scouts having elected new youth leadership two weeks prior to the court of honor, Senior Patrol Leader Jacob presided over the event as his last official act in the position. As part of the court of honor, Scoutmaster Andrew Baird installed the recently elected class of youth leaders by administering the oath of office. New troop leaders for the first half of 2018 include (pictured above, left to right): Jacob, lead troop guide; Josh, instructor; Hunter, patrol leader of the newly created Big Money Monkeys Patrol; Rusty, senior patrol leader; Olen, assistant patrol leader of the Big Money Monkeys Patrol; Luke, quartermaster of the Big Money Monkeys Patrol; Trey, patrol leader of the newly created Combat Wombats Patrol; Joe, assistant senior patrol leader; Joey, assistant patrol leader of the Combat Wombats Patrol and troop chaplain’s aide; Miles, patrol quartermaster for the Combat Wombats Patrol; Camp, troop quartermaster; Liam, assistant troop quartermaster; and Boone, instructor (not pictured is Michael, lead troop guide). Continuing their service are are Everett, instructor; and Jason, troop historian.

Mr. Baird installs the troop's junior assistant scoutmasters.

In addition to installing the troop’s newly elected youth leaders, Mr. Baird administered the oath of office to the troop’s growing cadre of junior assistant scoutmasters: (left to right) Louie, Aiden, Nicky and Creighton. The troop promotes Scouts to this advanced level of leadership following their completion of the Eagle Scout rank, but before they would be old enough to serve in an adult position. Aiden and Creighton — by virtue of their continued merit badge work beyond the presentation of their Eagle Scout ranks earlier in the year — also received Eagle palms during the ceremony.

Jacob with his outgoing senior patrol leader recognition.

Mr. Baird made two additional presentations to close out the evening’s court of honor. The first was a handmade neckerchief slide, which he presented to Jacob. The neckerchief slide has become his traditional means of recognizing outgoing senior patrol leaders for their terms of service.

His second presentation was to incoming Senior Patrol Leader Rusty — the American flag that honored Mr. Baird’s father during his funeral service in October 2017. A veterinarian by training, Dr. Charles Baird graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Auburn University in 1960, served in the U.S. Air Force, and practiced as a veterinarian for more than 50 years. Mr. Baird noted that his father would have wanted to know the flag was being used to benefit others, so he asked SPL Rusty to ensure it is part of the troop's instructional activities, including training newer Scouts about flag etiquette and the ceremonial procedures that are part of the earlier rank requirements Scouts are required to complete.

The pomp and circumstance of the court of honor quickly gave way to the annual madness associated with the troop’s “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. Among the traditional gifts of camping implements and supplies, knives and flashlights were a few oddities — including $9.95 in various coins that was frozen in a block of ice.

In addition to celebrating Christmas as a troop family through the yearly game of “Dirty Santa,” Troop 50 families also remembered others through its annual toy-collection drive. Bicycles, athletics gear, games and other toys were among the gifts donated by troop families and walked by Scouts and leaders to the main City of Auburn fire station on East Magnolia Avenue. This annual troop service project benefits the firefighters’ “Toys for Tots” drive and dates back to the troop’s first Christmas court of honor after its founding in November 2012.

The court of honor concluded the troop’s scheduled 2017 events. The troop will take a hiatus until its first meeting of the new year on Monday, Jan. 8.

For more pictures from the court of honor, visit the troop's online photo album.

Court of honor celebrates summer achievements, activities

Summer 2017 was a busy time for Scouts and leaders of Troop 50, evidenced by the wide array of accomplishments recognized at the troop's post-summer court of honor on Monday, Aug. 28. In addition to presenting Scouts with their recently earned merit badges and ranks, the troop celebrated many of the other events and achievements that marked our Scouts' summer experiences.

Summer Camp and Advancement

Senior Patrol Leader Jacob presents Trey with the merit badges he earned at summer camp,
which included Archery, Chess, Citizenship in the World, Environmental Science and Geology.

Scoutmaster Andrew Baird recognizes Samuel
as the troop's newest member.

Thanks to Scouts' hard work, the troop awarded 62 merit badges at the court of honor — the majority of which were earned by Scouts attending summer camp in June at Camp Sequoyah in north Alabama.

Geology and Archery merit badges were by far the most popular, with many of the Eagle-required merit badges like Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the World also being among those presented.

Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Crew 620-B, comprised primarily of Troop 50 Scouts and leaders.

Between June 17 to July 2, members of Boy Scout Troop 50, comprising the majority of Philmont Crew 620-B, set out on a two-week excursion traveling to and backpacking the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's largest national high adventure base, located in Cimarron, New Mexico. Check out photos and tweets from the excursion on the troop's blog and Twitter account.

National Boy Scout Jamboree

Troop 50, represented by Creighton, Rusty, Trey, Liam and Wes Williams, were among the other Scouts and leaders from Saugahatchee District who attended the National Jamboree.

Seventeen Scouts and leaders from the Auburn/Opelika area — including Creighton, Rusty, Trey, Liam and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams — attended the 19th National Boy Scout Jamboree, held from July 19 to July 28 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. They were among the 68 scouts and leaders divided between two jamboree troops representing the Chattahoochee Council. More than 30,000 Scouts and leaders attended the national gathering, which is hosted every four years at the Summit Bechtel Reserve by the Boy Scouts of America.

Order of the Arrow elections

The troop's newest members of the Order of the Arrow (front row, left to right): Joe, Trey and Michael;
(back row) Paul, Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg, Josh, Rusty and Creighton.

Following the Order of the Arrow election held at the troop's spring court of honor, newly elected OA candidates were recognized, or "called out," in a variety of locations as being elected for Scouting's National Honor Society. During the weekend of Aug. 4-6, the elected Scouts, along with Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg, who had been selected for OA membership by the troop committee, participated in the Order of the Arrow's summer induction weekend, called an Ordeal, at Camp Frank G. Lumpkin in LaGrange. Read more about their OA experience on the troop's blog.

Troop Elections

Scoutmaster Baird administers the oath of office to
Armored Armadillos Assistant Patrol Leader Everett (left) and
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Nicky (right).

Also at the troop's spring court of honor, the troop held elections for youth leaders who will serve in troop positions through the remainder of the calendar year. Nicky, who was unable to attend the spring court of honor, was sworn in as the troop's newest assistant senior patrol leader. Following the June election, Everett was selected as assistant patrol leader of the Armored Armadillos Patrol, and he too was sworn in at the court of honor.

James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award

Nicky receives the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award from Scoutmaster Baird

The summer court of honor also allowed the troop to honor its most recent recipient of the James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award, Nicky, who was unable to attend the spring court of honor when this year's honoree was announced. First presented in 2015, this award is given annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader.

Additional photos from the troop's summer court of honor are available on the troop's online photo album.

Spring Court of Honor highlights leadership, achievement

Senior Patrol Leader Josh calls the court of honor to order with
the Pledge of Allegiance.

Troop 50's spring court of honor was an evening packed with activities marking the end of the troop year and the beginning of an equally busy summer Scouting season. The evening included the introduction of a first-ever court of honor taco bar, Order of the Arrow and youth leadership elections, the distribution of merit badges and ranks, and the announcement of the troop's recipient of the 2017 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award.

Scouts eligible for election to the Order of the Arrow gathered for consideration.

An election team of Scouts representing the Order of the Arrow's Chattahoochee Lodge conducted the troop's annual OA elections. Scouts who were eligible for election to the BSA's service organization and national honor society must have been under 21, earned First Class, experienced at least 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the previous two-year period, including one long-term camping experience (i.e., summer camp), and received their scoutmaster's approval. Troop 50 Scouts who were elected will find out about their selection at summer camp or at another time during the summer in time to attend the lodge's summer induction weekend (also known as an Ordeal) Aug. 4-6.

SPL Josh congratulates Hunter on earning his Star rank. 

Senior Patrol Leader Josh and Scoutmaster Andrew Baird then awarded merit badges and ranks earned since the troop's last court of honor in December 2016. The spring court of honor included the presentation of eight rank advancements and 40 merit badges. Among the most popular merit badges presented was Fingerprinting Merit Badge, which Scout parent and Auburn Police Officer Bill Schallock taught during a February troop meeting, and Snow Sports Merit Badge, which Scouts earned in conjunction with the troop's annual trip to Gatlinburg in January.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the oath of office to the troop's incoming class of  youth leaders.

Josh displays a handmade neckerchief slide and display box from
Scoutmaster Baird in recognition of his service as
senior patrol leader

At the start of the court of honor, in addition to electing candidates for the Order of the Arrow, Scouts elected the troop's youth leadership who will serve during the summer and the remainder of the calendar year. With the votes cast, Scoutmaster Baird distributed position patches and administered the oath of office to the incoming cohort of youth leaders, which included (group photo above, left to right): Senior Patrol Leader Jacob, Patriots Assistant Patrol Leader Miles, Patriots Patrol Leader Joe, Armored Armadillos Patrol Leader Michael,Troop Quartermaster Paul, Lead Troop Guide and Leadership Corps member Rusty, and Lead Troop Instructor and Leadership Corps member Aiden. Scoutmaster Baird also recognized outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Josh for his service by presenting him with a handmade neckerchief slide and display box.

The final item on the agenda for Scout recognition was the annual presentation of the troop's James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, this award is given annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. The award includes an engraved Eagle statuette, as well as a $100 credit to the honoree's troop activities account. This year's recipient was Nicky, who was completing a term as lead troop instructor and will serve the remainder of the year as assistant senior patrol leader. He was unable to accept his award in person, since he was participating in an out-of-town session of the Boy Scouts' National Youth Leadership Training.

Assistant Scoutmaster Williams (right) receives the
Scout Leader's Training Award from Scoutmaster Baird.

The evening concluded with one additional presentation: the Scout Leader's Training Award, which was earned by Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams. The award recognizes adult leaders who complete a number of required volunteer training courses and who provide specific leadership at the unit level and beyond.

The court of honor marks the troop's last Monday-evening gathering until it resumes its regular troop meeting schedule on Aug. 7. Until then, troop activities will include a summer camp contingent to Camp Sequoyah in Delta, Alabama, from June 11 to 17, a backpacking expedition to Philmont National Scout Ranch in New Mexico from June 17 to July 2, and representation at the National Boy Scout Jamboree at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia from July 18 to 28. The troop also plans its annual "Chill at the Lake" event for July 15.

For more photos from the troop's spring court of honor, visit its online photo album.

New year...new patrols

At the troop's first meeting of 2017, on Monday, Jan. 9, its two newly formed patrols gathered under the leadership of newly elected patrol leaders to get better acquainted and to design their respective patrol flags, pictured here:

Newly elected patrol leader of the Armored Armadillos Patrol, Jacob,
with his patrol's new flag.

Newly elected patrol leader of The Patriots Patrol, Rusty,
with his patrol's new flag.

Assistant Scoutmaster Dagg reviews the requirements
for Snow Sports Merit Badge. 

Following the patrols' creative flag-design session, many of the troop's Scouts with prior snow skiing experience gathered with Assistant Scoutmaster Christian Dagg to review the requirements of the Snow Sports Merit Badge. The troop's upcoming annual ski trip to Gatlinburg, Tenn., should allow these Scouts to complete several of the merit badge's requirements.