Scouts help Wreaths Across America & more

PUTNAM — As part of the National Wreaths Across America Day Dec. 16, Scouts of Troop 21, in conjunction with Wreaths Across America, placed fresh wreaths on the graves of many soldiers at the Old Abington Burying Ground in Pomfret.
The burial ground contains the graves of at least 60 American Revolutionary soldiers, Civil War soldiers and several from the War of 1812. The group, Rediscovering History, is doing restoration work in the Old Abington Cemetery and many other cemeteries all across Connecticut.  The staff from the group schooled the Scouts on the preservation process of old headstones as well as entire cemeteries.  
“This event was a continuation of the troop’s goal of community service.  They have been seen at St. Mary’s Church Yuletide Festival setting up tables and chairs for the Daughters of Isabella on Nov. 11, the Putnam Supermarket ringing the bells for the Salvation Army on Nov. 24 and 25, in the Holiday Dazzle Light parade on November 26, the Hale YMCA craft fair assisting vendors on Dec. 2, and serving hot chocolate and cookies to the participants of the Tree of Life lighting ceremony on Dec. 3.  The scouts volunteer themselves and schedule these events into their busy activity agendas.  Troop 21’s calendar for 2024 will include several camping adventures, hikes, more community service events, hockey games, regional camporees, and skill-building sessions for advancement of rank,“ said Chris Jodoin, Scoutmaster.
For their most recent fundraiser, the scouts could be found this fall on Sunday mornings to early afternoons at Runnings, with piles of popcorn.  The participating scouts earned a portion of the proceeds to fund their summer camp fee, as well as their next adventure, a winter Klondike Derby, where hundreds of scouts from all over Connecticut will meet up at JN Webster in Ashford for three days of fun, activities, competitions, and fellowship.  Keep an eye out for additional events the Scouts will participate in this year, like their annual Baked Potato Buffet Feb. 24.
For more information about joining, volunteering or supporting, follow the troop on their Facebook page, BSA Troop 21 Putnam, CT, or call 860-428-9761.


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