Corning's Troop 5 one of oldest in the west

Point three fingers together, salute and say the words, "Be Prepared," and just about anyone in this country will think Boy Scouts.

That should come as no surprise as the national icon, Boy Scouts of America has been around for 100 years and is celebrating its anniversary in big and small ways across the United States.

The actual anniversary was in February, but the celebrations are being coordinated with other scouting events across the country.

Boy Scouts is so popular, even the small city of Corning is home to three troops, one of which, Troop 5, is the fifth oldest in the western states. The other troops are 62, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, and 108, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Troop 5 was established around 1914, but was temporarily disbanded during World War I due to a lack of leadership, according to Ross Turner, who has been the troop's scoutmaster since 1964.

In honor of the Boy Scouts anniversary, Turner penned a summary of Troop 5's history.

Re-established by Robert Hedgespeth in 1922, the troop flourished and one of its original members, Ernest Peterson just recently passed away, said Turner. Over the years two other local troops, 8 and 9, consolidated with Troop 5.

"During World War II, Troop 5 helped with the war effort in the Corning area by helping with gardens, scrap metal, rubber and paper drives," Turner wrote.

Corning's Rotary Club became Troop 5's sponsor in 1940. Leaders over the years have included Al Burling, Dave Hughes, Dr. John F. Winslow and Turner.

"Troop 5 has worked with more than 2,500 boys being members and more than 150 young men getting the Eagle Scout Award," Turner said. "Two of our most recent Eagles, Daniel Silva and J.R. Mead, have gone to West Point."

The town's newest Eagle Scout is Kyle Skousen, 18, a member of Troop 108, was recognized in June for earning his award.

"Being a boy scout has set a foundation in my life on how to act and behave," Skousen said. "It has helped me to develop the skills and characteristics to become the man, husband, father and friend that I want to be."

Skousen started his scouting career in cub scouts at the age of 8.

Through his experiences, he has learned how important service is.

"I have learned to set and achieve goals, but I also had a lot of fun going camping, deep sea fishing, and just plain and simply learning about things I didn't know," Skousen stated. "I'm the third one in my family to become an Eagle Scout."

His older brothers, Daniel and Christopher, set the example for him.

For his Eagle Scout project, Skousen designed and created a map that designates exactly where burial plots are located at Corning's Sunset Hills Cemetery, making it easier for the public to find the final resting place of loved ones at the cemetery.

He is working at Olive City Auto Parts, and will be attending Brigham Young University, Idaho, in the fall.

One of the oldest Eagle Scouts in the area, Richard Call, 89, of Los Molinos, sat in the "Eagle's Nest" during Skousen's award ceremony.

Call said he joined Boy Scouts at the age of 12 while growing up in Layton, Utah.

"Back in those days, a boy earned his Eagle Scout award just by completing the merit badges. I was 18-years-old when I earned mine," Call explained.

He feels the organization is much more programmed and organized than it was in his day.

"Then boys had to accomplish things pretty much on your own," Call said. "Boy Scouts is and has been an essential part in helping a lot of young men succeed, and still does today. I have one grandson who earned his Eagle Scout and it is extra special to have that in common with him."

Throughout this week an estimated 44,000 boy scouts, young and old, have gathered in Virginia to take part in the National Scout Jamboree.

Leaders of Troop 108 are inviting fellow troops and the community to join them at 5 p.m. on July 31 to view a taping of the National Jamboree's "Shining Light Across America," at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 111 Marguerite Ave.