Nov 16, 2011

I've spent a fair amount of volunteer time in the scouting program over the past dozen years or so, and along my journey I've met some very giving people.  One individual I'd like to introduce you to has done some extraordinary work.  Her name is Karen, and she's the "Scoutmaster" of the Denver area's 'Special Needs Boy Scout Troop 5280'. 

Most of you know that a Boy Scout program involves plenty of outdoor experiences, challenges, and a good dose of fun.  You may also know that every troop is supported by volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to maintain the program.  For any ordinary troop, however, there's always far more to do than there are volunteers available. 

This brings me to Karen, who's been involved in scouting for many years herself, assuming various volunteer positions ranging from Cub Scout Committee Chair to Commissioner for the District .  Karen's latest undertaking has compelled her to assume the roles of organizer and Scoutmaster for a relatively new troop, Troop 5280.  The purpose of the Troop 5280 is to offer 'special needs' children the opportunity to become scouts.

Children who partake in the program come from a wide range of special needs circumstances, including physical, emotional, and learning disabilities.  A primary goal of Karen's troop is to raise the self esteem of these special needs scouts, to keep them motivated, and to mentor all the practical skills that the scouting program is based upon. 

As Karen puts it, "these special needs scouts crave the opportunity to show off their abilities."  She accomplishes this by giving each special needs scout the support and independence they need to express themselves.  As you might expect, the program is also modified and paced to accommodate each scout's special needs.  Throughout all of this, there is virtually no parent participation in the activities, because the scouts do not want to be coddled.

Troop 5280 is succeeding in offering traditional campout activities similar to every other boy scout troop, too.  In recent months, the scouts did a campout near Leadville Colorado, and have also participated for the first time in week-long camping activities at Peaceful Valley Boy Scout Ranch.  Currently, Karen's scouts are working hard on their Collections Merit Badge, where they all get to show off their most prized possessions. 

There are now 9 scouts in Troop 5280, all in various stages of rank advancement.  Although Troop 5280 has yet to claim their first Eagle Scout, that day is coming soon.  One scout has already reached his 'Life Rank', and is knocking at the door! 

Organizing, recruiting, and operating Troop 5280 requires an enormous amount of dedication to all those whose lives she helps to enrich.  That is why Karen is one very extraordinary individual.  She has freely given her time to create and build a special needs program within the Boy Scouts, which may now be duplicated and mentored elsewhere around the country.  

Karen and her newly founded Troop 5280 exhibits that mile-high attitude, as it serves seven counties around the Denver Metro Area.  I've included some links, below, for you to read more about Karen's good work and endeavors.  Karen is supported by three Assistant Scoutmasters who also help prepare and administer the program.  Troop 5280 is officially a part of Denver's Frontier District, and is chartered by the Knights of Columbus.  They meet at Bethany Lutheran Church on Tuesday nights twice a month. If you'd like more information about Troop 5280, just drop me a line or call.  You can also click here to locate a Troop or Pack anywhere in the Denver Metro Area. 

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