June certainly went by quickly! Now that it is summer and getting warm, a lot is going on in Scouting, especially at our beautiful facility K-M Scout Ranch.
I am proud of the way staff from K-M, Camp Melita Island and Grizzly Base came together in preparation for camp this summer. Our council is also fortunate to have an outstanding Ranger Staff that have done an incredible job in readying K-M during these unusual times.
I took the opportunity to visit National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) at K-M last week. What an outstanding training opportunity for Scouts.
What is NYLT?
NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members of our organization with leadership skills and experience they can use in their units, and other situations, demanding leadership of self and others.
This training of our outstanding young people is closely linked to the Wood Badge course. Presentations and training are conducted by thoroughly trained youth, working under the leadership of Wood Badge trained adults.
During the week of June 21-27, there were 44 Scouts – including young ladies and young men – participating in the course. I would like to thank Course Director Anthony Cammon and his outstanding 17-member staff for a great job with the course.
I also had a chance to explore K-M. The camp looks Great!
The new lake is beautiful and crystal clear. The camp has brand new, state-of-the-art, Montana canvas tents. The restroom facilities are immaculate after being thoroughly cleaned by the cleaning crew at least four times throughout the day and in the evening. The kitchen is scrubbed by the rangers and the cleaning staff after every meal and again in the evening.
We have seven nurses and EMTs on staff. We welcome the leadership of nurse and Melita Island Camp Director, Libby Brindley, who joined K-M to help this summer. Thank you, Libby!
We have a record amount of Montana Scouts and Scouters registered to attend camp this summer. I am excited that, with social distancing and all necessary precautions and safety measures, we can run a world-class camp at K-M Scout Ranch.
I hope everyone has a safe and fun summer.
Thank you to everyone for all you do for Scouting and our exceptional council.
Yours in Scouting,
Dirk Smith
Scout Executive
