Join Us for the Third Annual John Mayfield Memorial Bass Tournament

October 4th at Point A Lake, Andalusia, AL

Scouting America Troop 30 of Crestview, FL is proud to host our third annual bass fishing tournament in memory of John Mayfield, former Scoutmaster of Troop 30 who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. This exciting “big fish” tournament offers multiple payout opportunities and supports local youth scouting programs.

Tournament Format

• Big Fish Style Competition – Quality over quantity!
• Payouts for top 3 largest bass per weigh-in period
• Additional payout for top 3 overall biggest fish of the day
• Multiple weigh-in blocks: 7:00-9:00 AM, 9:00-11:00 AM, and 11:00-1:00 PM

Registration & Schedule

• Registration: 5:00-6:15 AM at Point A Lake, Alabama
• Lines In: 6:30 AM sharp
• Entry Fee: $60 per angler
• No boat limit – fish with your crew!

Tournament Rules

• Target Species: Largemouth and Spotted Bass only
• Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches, fish must be alive at weigh-in
• Limit: 2 fish per angler per weigh-in period
• Bait Restrictions: Artificial lures only – no live bait
• Catch & Release: All fish must be released after weigh-in
• Ties broken by earliest weigh-in time
• All Alabama fishing regulations apply – citations result in disqualification

Supporting a Great Cause

Entry fees directly support Scouting America Troop 30’s youth programs, with $20 per angler going to troop activities and $40 contributing to tournament payouts.

Ready to compete? Mark your calendars for October 4th and help us honor John Mayfield’s memory while supporting local scouts. Prizes TBA – this tournament promises great fishing and even better fellowship!

For more information or questions, call or text tournament organizer Evan Robbins at 334-804-8277. See you on the water, and thank you for supporting scouting!

This campout was Star Wars themed and was focused on the pioneering merit badge. The girls got to aid the boys in earning the badge because they already earned it.

The scouts had to learn some knots and apply what they learned, for example the scouts made a gateway and some of them made a flagpole. The gateway required square lashings in which you would cross poles of bamboo anywhere from 45 degrees to 90 degrees then start with a clove hitch across the 2 poles and wrap each of the poles a few times then cross them to create a square shaped lashing  and the flagpole required a half hitch or clove hitch followed by weaving in between the poles and ending by wrapping the left over line or tying a clove hitch snuggly.  Another one of these knots was the truckers hitch which is used to latch down or hold onto something, like in the bed of a truck.

The scouts also made rope for the merit badge by twisting smaller lines of rope to make a bigger, sturdier rope. The campsite was open with some scattered trees and it was also very hot. Since the campout was Star Wars themed, the scouts cooked Star Wars themed food for their meals including a dessert bakeoff. Some scouts also brought lightsabers, robes and did skits.

At the end of the campout the scouts did roses and thorns, which is something the scouts do at every campout, where they say a rose, one thing they liked and appreciated about the campout, and a thorn, something they didn’t like that could be changed next time.

In an era where environmental challenges loom large, understanding and practicing sustainability is more critical than ever. For Scouts, earning the Sustainability Merit Badge is not just another achievement; it’s a foundational step towards becoming informed, responsible, and proactive citizens of our planet. Recently, both Scout Troop 30B and Troop 30G demonstrated their commitment to these vital principles by successfully completing the requirements for this impactful badge. They even managed to have a lot of fun and incorporate engaging games into their learning process!

Scouts competed against each other as patrols for points.

The importance of the Sustainability Merit Badge lies in its ability to equip young people with the knowledge and mindset needed to address complex environmental and social issues. It moves beyond simple “green” practices to foster a holistic understanding of how human actions impact ecosystems, economies, and communities. This badge encourages scouts to think critically about consumption, resource management, and the long-term well-being of the Earth.

From an educational perspective, the Sustainability Merit Badge offers a rich, interdisciplinary learning experience. Scouts delve into various scientific concepts, including ecology, resource depletion, climate change, and waste management. They explore the economic implications of sustainable practices and the social equity aspects of environmental justice. This comprehensive approach encourages systems thinking, allowing scouts to understand how different elements interact within complex systems.

Scouts played games to learn about sustainable habits.

Through the badge requirements, scouts engage in a variety of practical and analytical activities. They learn to:

• Assess their personal consumption habits in areas like energy, water, food, and waste, and develop strategies for reduction.
• Understand the principles of responsible resource use, including renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Explore global issues such as population growth, poverty, and climate change, and their connections to sustainability.
• Investigate local environmental challenges and propose solutions.
• Participate in hands-on projects that promote conservation, recycling, or energy efficiency within their homes, schools, or communities.
• Develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and the natural world.

By earning the Sustainability Merit Badge, Scouts from Troop 30B and Troop 30G have gained invaluable knowledge and practical skills that will serve them, their communities, and the planet for years to come. They are now better prepared to make informed decisions, advocate for positive change, and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.

Scouts played a game learning about water waste.

The air in Crestview, Florida, is buzzing with excitement as Troop 30G, the local Scouting America’s troop for girls, proudly celebrates its second birthday! What started as a small group of enthusiastic young women has blossomed into a vibrant and thriving community, proving the power and importance of scouting opportunities for female teenagers.

Two years ago, the landscape of scouting in Crestview shifted for the better, offering girls the same incredible experiences and pathways to leadership that had long been available to their male counterparts. Troop 30G was born, and in its short history, it has already made a significant impact on the lives of its members.

From conquering challenging hiking trails in the Florida panhandle to mastering essential life skills like first aid and knot tying, the girls of Troop 30G have embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and determination. They’ve learned to work as a team, support each other through challenges, and celebrate each other’s successes. But beyond the fun and camaraderie, something truly remarkable is happening: these young women are building the foundations for a lifetime of leadership, confidence, and unwavering self-esteem.

Why Scouting Matters for Teenage Girls:

In a crucial stage of development, teenage girls navigate a complex world filled with societal pressures and expectations. Scouting programs like Troop 30G provide a unique and invaluable environment for them to:

• Develop Leadership Skills: Scouting is inherently about leadership. From planning troop meetings and organizing service projects to guiding younger scouts, the girls of Troop 30G are constantly presented with opportunities to take initiative, make decisions, and inspire others. They learn to delegate, communicate effectively, and understand the responsibilities that come with leading.
• Build Unshakeable Confidence: Stepping outside their comfort zones is a regular occurrence in scouting. Whether it’s camping in the wilderness, public speaking during a presentation, or mastering a new outdoor skill, each accomplishment, big or small, chips away at self-doubt and builds a powerful sense of confidence. They learn that they are capable of far more than they might have initially believed.
• Cultivate Strong Self-Esteem: The supportive and inclusive environment of Troop 30G fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance. As they work together, learn from each other, and celebrate their individual strengths, these young women develop a positive self-image and a strong sense of self-worth. They are valued for their contributions and encouraged to embrace their unique talents.
• Learn Essential Life Skills: Beyond leadership and personal growth, scouting equips girls with practical life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. From budgeting and meal planning to problem-solving and teamwork, these skills empower them to be more independent and capable individuals.
• Find Their Voice: In a safe and encouraging space, the girls of Troop 30G are empowered to express their opinions, share their ideas, and advocate for themselves and their community. They learn the importance of their voice and gain the confidence to use it.

As Troop 30G blows out the candles on their second birthday cake, the Crestview community can be proud of the positive impact this program is having on its young women. These are not just scouts; they are the future leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens of tomorrow.

Here’s to many more years of adventure, growth, and leadership for Troop 30G! If you’re a female teenager in the Crestview area looking for an empowering and enriching experience, or if you’re an adult interested in supporting this vital program, we encourage you to reach out and discover the incredible world of Scouting America. The journey of a lifetime awaits!

Scouting America Troop 30G of Crestview, FL proudly supports Callie Pybus in her effort to become the troop’s first female Eagle Scout. She is also the first female Eagle Scout candidate in Lockhart, AL and Covington County, AL. Callie is restoring Long Leaf Yellow Pine Memorial Park in Lockhart, AL by cleaning it up and planting native species to support local pollinators.

“My name is Callie Pybus. I’m doing a service project to beautify and restore Long Leaf Yellow Pine Memorial Park. I want to clean the park up and add some native plants to help our pollinator population thrive. Donations will go towards getting needed supplies and materials for this project,” she shared.

You can contribute to Callie’s Eagle Project via Troop 30G’s Cash App: https://cash.app/$BSA30G or by contacting Treasurer, Dave Palmer at 850-603-9000 for other ways to contribute.

Help Callie achieve her goal and beautify the community!

The dedicated young women of Crestview’s Troop 30G have once again demonstrated their commitment to responsible outdoor practices, proudly earning the prestigious Scouts BSA Outdoor Ethics Award! This significant achievement highlights their understanding and application of Leave No Trace principles and their dedication to preserving the natural world for future generations.

Earning the Scouts BSA Outdoor Ethics Award is no simple feat. It requires a deep understanding and consistent application of ethical behavior in the outdoors. To achieve this honor, the members of Troop 30G had to actively engage in several key areas, demonstrating their commitment to stewardship:

• Understanding the Principles of Leave No Trace: This forms the foundation of outdoor ethics. The scouts had to learn and articulate the seven Leave No Trace principles:
  • Plan Ahead and Prepare: Emphasizing the importance of research, proper gear, and contingency planning.
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Focusing on minimizing impact on trails, campsites, and vegetation.
  • Dispose of Waste Properly: Stressing the “pack it in, pack it out” philosophy for all trash and waste.
  • Leave What You Find: Encouraging the preservation of natural and cultural resources.
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts: Teaching responsible fire building and the use of alternatives when possible.
  • Respect Wildlife: Promoting the observation of wildlife from a distance and avoiding feeding or disturbing animals.
  • Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Encouraging respectful interactions and minimizing noise and disruption.
• Demonstrating Practical Application: It wasn’t enough to simply know the principles; the scouts had to actively demonstrate their application during troop outings and camping trips. This involved making conscious choices to minimize their impact, properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others in the outdoors.

• Teaching Others: A crucial component of the award is the commitment to educating fellow scouts and others about outdoor ethics. The members of Troop 30G likely took on leadership roles, sharing their knowledge of Leave No Trace principles and encouraging ethical behavior among their peers. This could have involved leading discussions, demonstrating proper techniques, or even planning activities focused on outdoor stewardship.

• Completing Specific Requirements: The award also involves fulfilling specific requirements outlined by Scouts BSA, which could include activities like participating in conservation projects, documenting their ethical practices, or leading discussions on outdoor ethics topics.

Earning the Scouts BSA Outdoor Ethics Award is incredibly important for several reasons. It instills in these young women a deep respect for the environment and a sense of responsibility for its preservation. By understanding and practicing Leave No Trace principles, they become conscientious stewards of our natural resources, ensuring that these precious spaces can be enjoyed by others for years to come.

Furthermore, the process of earning this award fosters critical thinking, leadership skills, and a commitment to ethical behavior. The scouts had to take initiative to learn the principles, apply them consistently, and effectively communicate them to others. These are invaluable skills that extend far beyond the outdoors, shaping them into responsible and thoughtful leaders in all aspects of their lives, whether it’s in their schools, their community, or their future workplaces.

The achievement of the Scouts BSA Outdoor Ethics Award by Crestview’s Troop 30G is a testament to their dedication to the values of scouting and their commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them. It’s a proud moment for the troop and a shining example of how the Scouting America program empowers young people to become not only skilled outdoors enthusiasts but also responsible and ethical citizens. Congratulations to Troop 30G on this well-deserved honor!

Crestview’s BSA Troop 30B recently celebrated a momentous occasion – 102 years of continuous operation! The event, held at First Methodist Church of Crestview, FL, brought together generations of Scouts, leaders, and families to commemorate this impressive milestone.

Among those in attendance was a young Scout named Erich, who holds a unique place in Troop 30B’s history. Erich is the great-great-great grandson of George William Barrow, the troop’s founder and its first Scoutmaster in 1922.

The celebratory event was a surprise organized by the newest Crestview BSA Troop, 30G, who added to the celebratory spirit by providing a delicious cake. One of Troop 30B’s longest standing leaders, Ken Gibson, blew out the candles on the cake after being cheered on by the Scouts.

We’re incredibly proud of Troop 30B’s long-standing tradition of serving the Crestview community. Scouting has instilled valuable life skills and fostered a sense of camaraderie in countless young people over the years, and we’re committed to continuing this legacy for generations to come.

Troop 30B’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of Scouting. It is a story of family, tradition, and the continuous journey of shaping young minds into responsible and well-rounded individuals. As the troop embarks on its next chapter, it carries with it the spirit of its founder, George William Barrow, and the unwavering dedication of generations of Scouts and leaders who have made Troop 30B a cornerstone of the Crestview community.

Crestview’s BSA Troop 30B is proud to announce that David Crew Jr. has achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting. David’s journey culminated on January 3, 2024, when he successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review, surrounded by a supportive community.

Present at this momentous occasion were David’s father, David Crew Sr., who serves as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 30B and is himself an Eagle Scout, along with current Scoutmaster Derek Burleson and former Scoutmasters Chip Corbin and Abe Rodriguez. Their presence underscored the significance of David’s accomplishment and the long-standing tradition of mentorship within Troop 30B.

To attain the Eagle Scout rank, David demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment. He embarked on a demanding project that left a lasting impact on the Crestview community. Picnic tables were built and donated to a local church for his Eagle project; its successful completion is a testament to David’s dedication to serving his community.

David’s accomplishment is a source of immense pride for not only him and his family, but also for the entire Troop 30B community. His journey to Eagle Scout reflects the positive impact Scouting can have on young individuals, shaping them into well-rounded, responsible, and service-oriented members of society. Congratulations to David Crew Jr. on this remarkable achievement!

Troop 30 has grown by leaps and bounds recently… Friends of current Scouts have joined, Cub Scouts have crossed over, and in our 101st year, April 1, 2023 marks the founding of our very first girl troop, Troop 30G! We are all excited to have the girls join us for meetings and events, and we are all learning together as linked troops! If there ever was a perfect time to join Troop 30, that time is now. With so many new Scouts, we are getting back to the basics to learn together what it means to be a Scout and how to work together as a troop. We hope that you will join us for the fun and adventure that is scouting!

Scoutmaster Troop 30 Boys
Chip Corbin
575-442-5224

Scoutmaster Troop 30 Girls
Heather Johnson
850-603-9466

Recently, the scouts of Crestview’s Troop 30B embarked on a powerful and poignant journey to Anniston, Alabama, where they visited the Freedom Riders National Monument. This significant visit served as a crucial component of their work towards earning the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, offering them an invaluable opportunity to connect with a pivotal chapter in American history and understand the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

The Freedom Riders National Monument stands as a solemn and vital reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the individuals who, in 1961, challenged segregation in interstate travel. These courageous activists, both black and white, rode buses together through the Deep South to test the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared segregation in interstate bus travel unconstitutional. Their peaceful protests were met with brutal violence, most notably in Anniston, where one of their buses was firebombed.

Crestview Scouts Walk in the Footsteps of Courage at Freedom Riders National Monument

Visiting this site is an incredibly important experience for young people. It allows them to move beyond the pages of a history book and step onto the very ground where significant events unfolded. By witnessing the physical locations – the bus station, the site of the bus burning – the scouts gained a tangible understanding of the challenges and dangers faced by the Freedom Riders. This visceral connection fosters a deeper empathy and a more profound appreciation for the sacrifices made in the fight for equality.

As part of the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, scouts are tasked with learning about the history, principles, and structure of American government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The story of the Freedom Riders is a powerful illustration of these concepts in action. It highlights:

• The Struggle for Civil Rights: The Freedom Rides directly confronted discriminatory laws and practices, demonstrating the ongoing fight for equal rights for all Americans.
• The Importance of Civic Engagement: The Freedom Riders, through their courageous nonviolent actions, exemplified the power of citizens to challenge injustice and demand change.
• The Role of the Federal Government: The violence against the Freedom Riders ultimately compelled the federal government to enforce its own laws and take stronger action against segregation in interstate travel.
• The Enduring Pursuit of Equality: The events at the Freedom Riders National Monument serve as a reminder that the journey towards a truly just and equitable society is a continuous effort.

By walking the grounds of the monument and learning the stories of the Freedom Riders, the scouts of Troop 30B gained a firsthand understanding of the courage it takes to stand up for one’s beliefs and the importance of active citizenship in a democracy. This experience will undoubtedly enrich their understanding of American history and inspire them to become more informed and engaged citizens within their own communities.

Learning about the Civil Rights Movement and the sacrifices of activists like the Freedom Riders is essential for inspiring young people. It demonstrates that ordinary individuals, even young people themselves, can be powerful agents of change. By connecting with this history, the scouts of Troop 30B are not only fulfilling the requirements of a merit badge but also gaining invaluable lessons in courage, perseverance, and the ongoing responsibility of every citizen to strive for a more just and equitable nation. The Freedom Riders National Monument serves as a powerful and enduring testament to the power of conviction, a lesson that will resonate with these young scouts for years to come.

Crestview Scouts Walk in the Footsteps of Courage at Freedom Riders National Monument