Caddo Area Council of BSA met Saturday to teach a class in Indian Lore. This class would enable the Scouts assembled to earn their Indian Lore merit badge.
"Normally, a block of instruction like this accommodates dozens of Scouts at a time," said Anthony Escobar. "But due to current COVID restrictions, we only have a group of ten at a time, with the usual masks and social distancing observed. But still, we offer our Scouts a good range of adventures and learning opportunities."
For a Scout to make Eagle Scout, they have to earn at least 21 merit badges, out of 135 available. When one takes in the numbers, the Caddo Council performs above and beyond.
Dakota Kisselberg was one of the participant's in Saturday's learning. Coming from generations of Scouts in her family, the Indian Lore merit badge will be her 8th.
"I do enjoy it, all the adventures we get to go on," she said. "I do intend to go Eagle, beyond even. There are higher positions above eagle, such as Explorer, High Adventure, Sea Scouts, some of which offer hands-on opportunities to take a look at various skill sets and occupations."
Denton Jones was one of the instructors for Saturday's event, teaching the Scouts present in various aspects of area Native American lore.
"In Arkansas, there are four tribes we know of, the Osage, the Qwapaw, Tunica and Caddo," he said. "The Caddo, of course, lived in our area and are what this council is named after. The Caddo, further, were divided into three confederacies, the Hasinai, Kadahadacho and Natchetoches (Cajun)."
Jones says watching the youngsters learn what he is teaching, what has gone on before in the area, is rewarding, and just the latest thing in his involvement with Scouting.
"I was a Scout for years when I was a kid, starting out as a Cub Scout," he said. "I'm the father of an Eagle Scout. Also, in addition to Indian Lore, I teach wood carving, plumbing, electrical and leatherworking. I'm here for these Scouts. My sons have been involved and I keep going."
"Nationwide, an average of about 4 percent of Scouts make Eagle," said Escobar. "Caddo Area Council Scouts have an 8 percent rate. I credit that to strong adult leaders, who are volunteers. We also offer lots of possibilities, such as our awesome adventures, which not all councils have."