(above) Flintlocks holding plaques showing the 12 points of the scout law (plus one more).
Senior Boy Scout Volunteer Group Honored
Submitted by Dr. D. Michael Hart
The New Jersey State Legislature issued a proclamation congratulating the Flintlocks, BSA, Inc., a 501c3 organization, on their 35th anniversary on May 18, 2023. This is a group of senior scouters who volunteer every week all year round to help the Boy Scout of America Patriot’s Path Council in northern New Jersey. In spite of their name, they have nothing to do with antique guns, although some of the older guys might be considered “antiques.”
The Council serves 10,000 Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and Venture Crews. All of the programs are co-ed, and the scouting movement seeks to be inclusive and diverse. The Council serves five counties in New Jersey, including: Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union Counties. The Council has three camps, which the Flintlocks help to maintain, build new structures, and volunteer to help run programs.
(above, l-r) Flintlock Bill Debiec receiving the Silver Beaver Award. Flintlocks Secretary Dr. D. Michael Hart; recipient Bill Debiec; Council Executive Marc Andreo; and Flintlocks President John Koneski.
The Flintlocks BSA, Inc. held their 35thanniversary luncheon on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, with 45 attendees. Patriot’s Path Council Scout Executive Marc Andreo was in attendance to congratulate them, and also to award a Silver Beaver Award to Bill Debiec. This is the highest National award a volunteer may earn in the scouts. Most of the volunteers in the Flintlocks have been awarded a Silver Beaver.
The stated mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” Youth are trained in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.
For more information about the Flintlocks, BSA, Inc., contact Dr. Michael Hart drmhart@yahoo.com, or visit the Facebook page “Flintlocks.”
The Proclamation from the State of New Jersey (above) The Proclamation reads in part: WHEREAS, The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to salute the Flintlocks of the Boy Scouts of America, highly esteemed throughout the Garden State, who will mark their Thirty-Fifth Anniversary on May 18, 2023; and, This felicitous occasion bears witness to the immeasurable contributions this dedicated group of Senior Scouters has made in support of the Patriot’s Path Council; and, Averaging more than 5,000 volunteer hours per year since 1988, the Flintlocks have worked tirelessly to maintain council camps, scout shops, and the Council Service Center, and they have given generously of their time and energies to run a robust schedule of programs, including the University of Scouting, For the Birds, the Cub Scout Wood Tools Program, District Camporees, and Toys for Tots; and, These deeply committed individuals are further commended for instilling within young Scouts the importance of citizenship, responsibility, and personal development, and most Flintlocks have been bestowed with the Silver Beaver Award, the Trailblazer Award, or the Camping Hall of Fame Award for their meritorious efforts to uplift and inspire the leaders of tomorrow; and, The strength and prosperity of the State Of New Jersey, the vitality of our communities, and the effectiveness of our American society depend, in great measure, upon public-spirited citizens, exemplified by the Flintlocks, who unite voluntarily, act together, and provide their unique talents in furtherance of the common good; and, It is altogether fitting and proper for the members of this Legislature to pause in their deliberations to acknowledge the Flintlocks of the Boy Scouts of America and praise them as individuals of strong character, boundless creativity, and uncommon determination …
