MMA Scout Troop 1889 Kicks Off 2024-25 Year with an Exciting Fall Semester

This fall, MMA’s Scout Troop 1889 has hit the ground running with new goals, a dedicated leadership team, and a robust program aimed at helping Scouts develop critical skills and advance through the Scouting ranks. Guided by MMA staff members, including Scoutmaster Eric Evertson and Assistant Scoutmaster Rodrigo Padilla, Troop 1889 is ready for a semester of growth and achievement. Feature photo above, the 2024-25 Troop 1889 Scout leaders: Cadets McDonald, Von Savoye, Joiner, Drabinski and Daly.

Troop 1889’s success is rooted in the shared values and missions of both MMA and the Boy Scouts of America, a connection that strengthens the experience for all Scouts. MMA’s focus on leadership, integrity, and character development aligns with the Scouting principles of duty to God, country, and community, as well as the Scout Law, which emphasizes qualities like trustworthiness, loyalty, and kindness. This synergy fosters a supportive environment where Scouts can grow into responsible leaders who exemplify both institutions' highest ideals. Through their involvement with MMA and Troop 1889, Scouts are not only advancing in rank but also cultivating lifelong skills that will guide them in all aspects of life.

A Growing Youth Membership with Strong Leadership

Youth membership is thriving with a current roster of 19 Scouts, averaging around 12 attendees per meeting. The Scouts recently held elections to determine their leaders. Cadet Lukas Joiner took the position of senior patrol leader, with Cadet Chase von Savoye as assistant senior patrol leader. Patrol Leaders Cadets Beck Daly and Raymond McDonald lead the troop’s two patrols, creatively named Combat Wombat Patrol and Blackhawk Patrol by their members. The troop demonstrates commitment to learning and advancement as each Scout actively engages in meetings and activities.

Steady Advancement

The troop includes three Life Scouts (Cadets Von Savoye, Joiner and Drabinski), one First Class Scout (Cadet Daly), and one Tenderfoot Scout (Cadet Robinson), with 14 Scouts new to the program working diligently to earn their first rank of Scout. The emphasis on advancement is a testament to the troop's dedication, with Scouts actively supporting one another to meet their goals.

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The district Eagle Scout advancement chair and district representative met with our three Life Scouts (Cadets Von Savoye, Joiner and Drabinski) to discuss Eagle Scout project guidelines and process.

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Hands-On Meetings with Youth-Led Instruction

Troop 1889’s meetings have been an impressive showcase of Scout-led instruction. Youth leaders guide the new Scouts through foundational skills such as the Scout Oath and Law, and the patrols have taken turns leading sessions on critical Scouting skills. In recent meetings, Scouts practiced first aid techniques and learned useful knots and their outdoor applications. The troop has also engaged in a comprehensive inspection of MMA’s outdoor gear, inventorying and assessing each item’s condition to ensure preparedness for future adventures. A recent highlight was the unveiling of custom-designed shirts, created by the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, allowing the troop to select their favorite design.

Looking Ahead: Exciting Events and Opportunities

In early November, the troop plans to host an Eagle Scout informational session with the District Eagle Scout Advancement Chair. This session aims to support the three Life Scouts as they consider their paths toward earning Scouting’s highest rank. Additionally, Troop 1889 is gearing up to host 60 Cub Scouts and their families for the NOVA STEM Family Camp at MMA from November 1–3. This event will allow the Scouts to guide younger participants through STEM-focused activities, offering an enriching experience for everyone involved.

With a strong start to the fall semester, Troop 1889 is well on its way to an impactful year of learning, leadership, and community service.

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Older cadets helped teach younger cadets during a Scout cooking class. 

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List of Troop 1889 Cadet-Scout Members, Fall 2024

Beck Daly, Blackhawk Patrol

Gavin Dooley, Blackhawk Patrol

Daniel Drabinski, Scribe/Webmaster

Irmuun Ganbat, Combat Wombat

Grayson Hogan, Combat Wombat

Lukas Joiner, Senior Patrol Leader

Alexander Kruse, Combat Wombat

Jesus Michael Robinson, Blackhawk Patrol

Grant Pendley, Blackhawk Patrol

Chase von Savoye, Asst Senior PL/Troop Guide

Fletcher Wagner, Combat Wombat

Xander Sanders, Blackhawk Patrol

Benjamin Bryant, Combat Wombat

Raymond McDonald, Patrol Leader

Creed Martin, Blackhawk Patrol

Jayden Rigney, Blackhawk Patrol

Emiliano Issa, Blackhawk Patrol

Mariano Issa, Combat Wombat

Angel Zamudio, Blackhawk Patrol