Story and photos submitted
by Scoutmaster John McCaw

The Webb City Boy Scout Troop 25 recently completed an active and successful year, achieving Gold Level distinction in the Boy Scouts of America’s Journey to Excellence program for 2022.

Journey to Excellence is the BSA’s planning, performance, and recognition program designed to help Troops to plan, monitor, and evaluate their performance and their ability to serve youth, and to encourage and reward the success of units, districts, and councils. It is meant to encourage excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.

There are specific criteria for the unit to plan and accomplish. For Gold Level distinction, the troop must earn points in at least eight different categories and must earn a total of at least 1,000 points. A balanced troop earns points related to planning, membership, program activities, and volunteer leadership.

Webb City’s troop earned more than half of its points based on program activities, which included regular patrol meetings, six short-term camping trips, one long-term camping trip, and multiple service projects throughout the year.

Scouts enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the year including archery, axe throwing, camping, canoeing, climbing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rappelling, shooting, small boat sailing, swimming, and much more.

The troop also engaged in a variety of service projects throughout the year including, litter removal, landscape maintenance, food pantry support, environmental conservation, and support of veterans. The troop completed over 150 man-hours of service throughout the year, including over 50 hours dedicated to conservation efforts.

Additional highlights for the year include the induction of two scouts, Gatlin Knisley and Graham McCaw, into the Order of the Arrow, which is scouting’s National Honor Society dedicated to a brotherhood of cheerful service. Membership eligibility is based on meeting certain advancement and camping requirements and being nominated by other youth within the troop. 

Additionally, three scouts, Collin Osiek, Gatlin Knisley, and Graham McCaw earned their National Outdoor Achievement Award for camping. This award requires earning the rank of First Class, completing three specific merit badges, and completing at least 25 nights of camping.

The Webb City troop currently includes scouts in a variety of ranks including Scout, First Class, Star Scout, and Life Scout. While some of the scouts are pursuing their Eagle Scout rank, all members can benefit from the program, regardless of their rank or pace of advancement.