Knox scouts hosting Future Leaders Day

The Fort Knox Boy Scouts will host a Future Leaders Day Aug. 10 at Keyes Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event, open to the public, is free and does not obligate anyone to join the scouts, according to Willis Madden, the scoutmaster for Troop 127.

"Kids who are not scouts can have fun along with the scouts doing the activities and see the kinds of things scouts do," he said. "The scouts can do the activities and accomplish work toward a badge, patch, or achievement."

The day's activities, which will be broadcast live on WJIE radio, will include hands-on events sponsored by the scouts, Fort Knox Fire Department personnel, and military police.

Children and adults will be able to witness a Jaws of Life demonstration in which the MPs will remove a mannequin from a wrecked vehicle, as well as participate in team-building events, and test their skills on a portable rock climbing wall.

"The rock climbing wall teaches confidence. It shows kids they can do things they didn't think they could do," said Madden. "They will be put in situations where they can develop confidence with constant adult supervision."

The day is planned to "let kids have fun, while at the same time they are hopefully learning something," said Madden. "They will learn how to be a good sportsman and how to cooperate.

"Being a scout teaches many life lessons, such as first aid and fire safety," said Jim Williams, the cubmaster for Pack 155. "They also learn respect for authority. We will have exhibits and activities aligned with these life lessons."

Although the purpose of the event is not to recruit scouts, Madden hopes that giving non-scouts a taste of the experience may encourage their future participation.

"We encourage kids and their parents to come out, and this is not just limited to people in the area," he said. "We have kids coming from Indianapolis and Ohio.

"We want to see Keyes Park overflowing with people."

Madden and Williams also hope that children will get a taste of scout life, but they also hope to get some help from experienced adults as well.

"We need help as an organization in general. We need leaders," said Williams. "Don't think you can't help just because you don't have kids of scouting age.

‘‘Also, if you are a father of all girls, don't think you can't help out with the Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts.

"All you need to have is the desire to help out, and then after you fill out an application. . . show up and get started."

For more information about Future Leaders Day, or becoming a scout or volunteering as a leader, e-mail knoxscouting@yahoo.com or call Madden at 942-8323.