Walter Fails of Farmington, Chris Fox of Mechanic Falls and Scott St.Amand of Gardiner (shown from left) were three of the trainers at Camp Bomazeen on May 5-7 for 20 Scout leaders who were training in the outdoor programs. Fails is the trainer for Scout Troop leaders in Kennebec Valley. Fox is the training chairman in Abnaki District. St. Amand is the Kennebec Valley District Cub leader trainer.  Submitted photo

Adam Wright of Lewiston, Doug Woodbury of Rockport and Jon Martin of Augusta (shown from left) demonstrate round lashings. They learn the skill so that they can then instruct their Scouts on the skill.  Submitted photo

Leaders from Cub packs and Scout troops around the area recently completed a variety of training programs.

At Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade, 20 Scouting leaders from across Pine Tree Council completed the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training for Cub Scout leaders and the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) Training for leaders in Scout troops.

The training courses were held the weekend of May 5-7. Both programs provide an opportunity for leaders to learn how to offer Scouting’s outdoor programs safely.

“It is encouraging to see so many Scout leaders coming out to learn new skills. Every Scout deserves a trained leader, because trained leaders deliver better and safer Scouting programs,” said Walter Fails of Farmington, the chair of training for Scout Troops in Kennebec Valley District, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district chairman for the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

 “We all had a great time sharing experiences and knowledge,” said Scott St. Amand of Gardiner, who heads up Cub Scout Leader Training for Kennebec Valley District and was one of the trainers for the weekend. “It was great to see the comradery, and willingness to jump in and help each other learn new skills.”

The following leaders completed IOLS training: Christopher Bishop of Whitefield, a leader in Troop 609 B (Boys) in Windsor, as well as Christopher Winkley of Troop 73 B in Portland, Ethan Olsen of Troop 58 B in North Yarmouth, Stephanie Charron of Troop 333 G (Girls) in Acton, Emily Hinman of Troop 93 B in Falmouth, Jon Martin of Troop 603 B in Augusta, Danielle Morse of Troop 403 B in St. Albans, Doug Woodbury of Camden Pack 200, Daniel Mason of Troop 110 B in Sabattus, Adam Wright of Lewiston Troop 116 B, Eben Mann of Troop 110 B from Litchfield, Stephen Polley is a leader in Vassalboro Troop 410, Shawn Hayden of Skowhegan Troop 485 B. Those completing requirements for the BALOO Training: Frederick Pullen of Pack 445 in Winslow, Tom Ancona of Pack 36 in Falmouth, Jeffrey Hartley of Pack 306 in Shapleigh, Ian Feldman of Pack 36 in Falmouth, Jason Middleton of  Pack 36 in Falmouth, Matt Tepelmann of Pack 200 in Camden, and Christopher Santiago of Pack 410 in Vassalboro.

Santiago also recently completed more than 500 hours of online training to complete the District Committee functions. Chris Fox of Mechnic Falls, the Abnaki District training chair, helped with the training at Camp Bomazeen.

Shelley Connolly of Pittsfield completed Short Term Camp Administrator training with Western Los Angeles County Council on April 29. Shelley will run the Summer Camporee at Camden Hills State Park from July 30-Aug. 1 and will help set up the schedule and program for the Scouts BSA Weekend at Bomazeen.

Drew Riddle of Randolph received his Wood Badge Beads on May 7 at the West Gardiner Nature Trail, during the annual campfire for Gardiner-based Pack and Troop 672. Riddle is a leader in both programs. Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting volunteers and professionals.

Drew Riddle of Randolph received his Wood Badge beads and certificate during the annual Pack and Troop 672 campfire. His son Webelos Cub Joshua, his wife Christina (who is also the Webelos Leader for Pack 672), and his son, Second Class Scout Connor, look on after Karen Norton, the Wood Badge Course director, has finished the presentation. Karen is wearing the mask. Submitted photo

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