By Kevin Shannahan

Eight young men from Boy Scout Troop 60, sponsored by The First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches, attended Summer Camp at Garland Scout Ranch south of Shreveport June 19th through 24th.  They joined 90 other Scouts and 30 adults from Louisiana and East Texas in a week-long program of earning Merit Badges in a variety of areas including archery, climbing, metal working, canoeing and welding among others.

In addition to the eight campers, three Scouts from Troop 60 served on camp staff, with Paul Gordon serving as the head of Aquatics. John Burrell headed up the kitchen staff and Eagle Scout Thomas Hailey worked as a lifeguard.This will be Paul’s last year at Garland as he will enter the Marine Corps in a few months, joining fellow Troop 60 alumni Vincent Maggio and Jonathan Meziere in the service of our country.

Troop 60, under the leadership of Scoutmaster Sarah McFarland, meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday night at First United Methodist Church, 411 Second St. They will take July off and will resume meeting when school starts up again. Membership in the Troop is open to any young man age 11-17. One does not have to be a member of the church to join.