Eagle Scout Court of Honor

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James R. Peters (son of Past Commander Doug J.J. Peters) and Kevin J. Fink are pictured with their fathers (Scout Master Tim Fink and Senator-Elect Dough Peters) at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor held on November 4th 2006. James, the 43rd Eagle Scout in Troop 1688 is an honor student at DeMatha High school where he plays varsity football. Kevin, the troop’s 45th Eagle Scout, an honor student at Bowie High School is a varsity baseball player. Congratulations to James and Kevin from the members of Disney-Bell Post 66.

(posted November, 2006)

Toys for Tots

On 25 November 2005 Boy Scout Troop 1688 Life Scout Dan Fryberger presented the Troops Chartering Organization Disney Bell Post #66 Commander Mr. Cliff Morvant with a donation of toys for the American Legions support of the Toys for Tots drive and a Christmas wreath to express the sincere appreciation of the BSA Troop 1688 scouts and families for their wonderful support throughout the year.  BSA Troop 1688 of Bowie Maryland celebrates it’s 35^th birthday this year and is chartered by the American Legion Disney Bell Post # 66.

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Tom Fink earns the William T. Hornaday Badge.

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BSA Troop 1688 Eagle Scout Tom Fink earns the William T. Hornaday Badge.  This Badge is in honor of Mr. Hornaday and his dedication to saving the bison and other wildlife species from extinction.  Established in 1917 the Hornaday Award has only been earned by about 1100 scouts.  Tom is the first Bowie area recipient in over a decade.  To earn the Horniday Badge Tom undertook and completed a truly exceptional conservation project in addition to have earning five of the Natural Resource Conservation Merit Badges. 

For his project Tom Fink kept his efforts in our community saving the pond at Bowie High School.  Built in 1965 at the High School the pond was in bad condition and an eye-sore.  The pond was leaking water non-stop and filled with refuse.  Tom worked on the pond with the aid his family, friends and Den Three of the Cub Scout Pack 1688.  He spent many hours sealing leaks; pruning the surrounding trees and thinning out the water lilies and cattails to promote growth.  He created fact boards that incorporate information about all the plant and animal species in the ponds ecosystem.  He added a park bench to the area so that it can be enjoyed by the students and faculty alike.  Tom procured resources from the Bowie High School alumni and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and other private sources. His efforts were also recognized by receiving the 2004 runner-up for the Tawes Award for a Clean Environment cosponsored by The Maryland Department of the Environment and The Maryland Petroleum council

Tom Fink is a truly exceptional young man.  He has since graduated from Bowie High School and is attending school at the University of West Virginia.  Tom is still giving back to Scouting by being an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 1688.  He is the son of Cathy Reed-Fink and Timothy Fink both who are Scout Leaders in the Troop and Pack.

Scouts help With Spring Beautification of Post 66

On 3 May 2003 members of Boy Scout Troop 1688 helped with Spring Beautification of American Legion Disney Bell Post 66.

Pictured is Linda Ryan (Unit Commissioner), Patrick Suddeth, Eric Leyden, Michael Ryan, Jim Pritchett (Chartered Organization Representative), Dan Dobrosielski, and Brett Iredell.

After working on planting the bulbs, the scouts were treated by the American Legion to a fine lunch of hot dogs and ice cream.

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Boy Scout Troop 1688 chartered by American Legion Disney Bell Post #66 departed for a week trip to Rodney Scout Reservation on 4 August 2002. The Boy Scouts will spend the week doing aquatics, camping, nature studies and handicrafts. Rodney Scout Reservation is located in North East, Maryland and offers a quality scout-craft program including camping, cooking, hiking, orienteering, pioneering, wilderness survival, safe use of fire and sharp tools, Paul Bunyan Woodsman, Dutch oven cooking, outpost  camping and a host of other scouting activities.

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Bowie Blade, 12/06/2001