Troop 21 says
'thank you!'
PUTNAM — To express gratitude and appreciation to their supporters and sponsors, the members of Putnam Scout Troop 21 held its annual free pancake breakfast event June 11. They served strawberries and whipped cream on pancakes, sausage and coffee.
“Cooking, serving, cleaning, are all everyday skills the Scouts learn, not only for merit badge requirements, but also for life,” said Scoutmaster Chris Jodoin.
The Scoutmaster said a Scout troop’s operation is run by the boys, with the adults present and standing by ready to guide, teach and advise as needed, to oversee, supervise and make sure everyone is healthy and safe.
With the assistance of the Troop Treasurer, Jennifer Lombardo, ASPO, NSEP, the Scouts are learning valuable business skills as well, such as planning, forecasting, leadership, teamwork, customer service, budgeting and presentation.  “It is exciting to watch these young men put in so much effort to prepare for an event like the baked potato buffet or the pancake breakfast with enthusiasm, and then see the smile on their faces when they realize they’ve learned something valuable as well.  They’re kind of surprised that something educational can be fun!  They’re just as surprised when they realize they’ve done something important that makes a difference.”
For instance, the troop assisted at the Relay for Life June 10. Scoutmaster Jodoin said, “When our Troop got the call to be a part of this year’s Relay for Life, it was the Scouts themselves who said, ‘We can’t say no’.”
First Class Scout Jayce Jodoin added, “I never got to meet my mom’s mom because she passed away from cancer before I was born. My Grampy (my dad’s dad) just recently beat cancer and my gram is currently fighting it. So for me, and the other Scouts, to give a few hours of time to this cause is a no-brainer when so many have given much more.”
Scoutmaster Jodoin added: “I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t been affected by this disease one way or another. It was an honor for our Troop to be able to participate in this event and to be able to help support our community in the fight against cancer.”  The Scouts led the first lap for the survivors and caregivers then served everyone brunch.  After brunch, they volunteered to clean up the conference room where the brunch was held.
Troop 21’s calendar for 2023 includes several camping adventures, hikes, community service events, hockey games, regional camporees, and several skill-building sessions for advancement of rank.  
“The Scouts of Troop 21 made up this year’s program and are responsible for developing and scheduling what they want to accomplish, in and outside of meetings.  They decide what they want to do, where to go, what they need,” says Troop Committee Chairman, Pete Lombardo, “and they’re raising their own money to do it.  Scouting builds character that way.  We’re very proud of our guys.”
The recent fundraisers have been held to aid in their plans to attend MassJam 2023, a regional jamboree in Massachusetts, Oct. 7-9 where thousands of Scouts from all over New England will camp on Cape Cod for three days of fun, exhibits, activities, competitions, entertainment and fellowship.  Keep an eye out for additional events the Scouts will hold this year, like a chicken BBQ and a pasta supper.
“Scout Troop 21 has been chartered to, and meeting at, St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation on Providence Street since it was founded in 1926.  Although Troop 21 is chartered to St. Mary’s, Scouts do not have to be Catholic or members of the church.  We’re open to any boy, 11 to 17,” says Jodoin.
For more information about joining, volunteering or supporting, call 860-428-9761.

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