Troop 63 had a memorable and educational end to their trip home from Camp Rotary, making a special stop at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. This visit was particularly meaningful for Scout Owen West, who needed to visit a national landmark to fulfill a requirement for his Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. Fellow Scout Sam Miller also attended, making it a valuable experience for both.
The scouts explored the site where Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin on February 12, 1809. The park features a beautiful memorial building that encloses a symbolic log cabin, representing the one in which Lincoln’s family lived. This monument stands as a powerful tribute to Lincoln’s humble beginnings. The scouts enjoyed learning about the history of the Sinking Spring Farm, the land where the Lincoln family lived before moving to Indiana.
After their visit to the birthplace, the troop continued their journey home. As they drove, they passed by the nearby Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek. While they were unable to stop and visit the museum and boyhood home on this trip, it served as a great point of interest and a reminder of the president’s early life. Lincoln lived at Knob Creek from the age of two until he was seven, and it was during this time that he first began to learn about farming and experience the world outside his home. The site includes a historic cabin and a scenic landscape, offering a glimpse into another chapter of Lincoln’s childhood.
This stop at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park provided a wonderful opportunity for the scouts to connect with American history firsthand, fulfilling a merit badge requirement while creating a lasting memory of their time together.
Scout Owen West of Troop 63 completed his Railroading merit badge on Friday, July 12, 2025. This significant achievement took place during his attendance at the annual Bluegrass Railroad Club Train Show, a highly anticipated event for railroading aficionados and the community alike.
The 2025 Bluegrass Railroad Club Train Show, held at the Oleika Shrine Temple on Southland Drive in Lexington, Kentucky, from July 12–13, provided the perfect backdrop for West to finalize the requirements for his merit badge. This marked the fourth annual family-friendly train show at the venue, offering a vibrant atmosphere for all ages.
Attendees had the opportunity to see various train layouts and shop with vendors selling railroadiana and model trains, making it a truly immersive experience for “all things trains!” Admission for the general public was $5 per person for those 12 and older, with children under 12 getting in free. A family rate of $15 was also available.
The Railroading Merit Badge class itself was offered from 1–5 PM, with participants encouraged to arrive by 12:50 PM. A special highlight for Scouting America youth and leaders was free admission to the show when in uniform. Attendees were advised to bring their blue cards, though it was noted that obtaining one before the event was not a barrier to participation.
This hands-on, high-energy event allowed Owen West to explore the world of trains, meet passionate railroading enthusiasts, and successfully earn a cool merit badge. West’s dedication and hard work culminated in successfully earning the badge, a testament to his interest and understanding of the subject.
This accomplishment highlights Owen West’s commitment to learning and mastering new skills within the realm of railroading. The Railroading merit badge encourages scouts to explore the history, safety, and operational principles of trains and railways, fostering a deeper appreciation for this vital mode of transportation.
We are incredibly proud of all our Cub Scouts for their hard work, dedication, and achievements this past year. It was wonderful to celebrate each and every one of them!
A special roar of applause for our Lions and Tigers, and a big cheer for all our amazing Scouts!
🦁 Congratulations to our Lion Scouts!
Riggs McKimmey earned his Bobcat rank (The first rank earned by all new Cub Scouts, learning the basics of Scouting) and his Lion rank badge (The rank for Kindergarteners, earned by completing required adventures)! Riggs also had a super busy year earning a whole collection of Lion adventure loops:
Fun on the Run (Lion adventure focused on physical activity and games)
King of the Jungle (Lion adventure about leadership and responsibility within the den)
Lion’s Roar (Lion adventure about communication and expressing oneself)
Lion’s Pride (Lion adventure focused on family, community, and pack involvement)And he didn’t stop there! Riggs also received awards for:
On your Mark (Lion elective adventure, often related to fitness or racing)
Let’s Camp (Award for participating in a camping activity)
Ready Set Grow (Lion elective adventure about gardening or nature)
Race Time (Award for participating in a race, e.g., Pinewood Derby)Way to go, Riggs! Keep up that fantastic Scout spirit!
Vincent Nickou also had an amazing year as a Lion Scout, earning his Bobcat rank (The first rank earned by all new Cub Scouts, learning the basics of Scouting) and his Lion rank badge (The rank for Kindergarteners, earned by completing required adventures)! He completed adventures including:
Fun on the Run (Lion adventure focused on physical activity and games)
Lion’s Roar (Lion adventure about communication and expressing oneself)
Lion’s Pride (Lion adventure focused on family, community, and pack involvement)
On your Mark (Lion elective adventure, often related to fitness or racing)And also received awards for:
Let’s Camp (Award for participating in a camping activity)
Ready Set Grow (Lion elective adventure about gardening or nature)
Race Time (Award for participating in a race, e.g., Pinewood Derby)
Champions of Nature 🏆 (Award for activities related to conservation or nature study)Fantastic work, Vincent!
🐅 A big high-five to our Tiger Scouts!
Elijah Alcorn earned his Tiger rank badge (The rank for first-graders, earned by completing required adventures)! Elijah has been busy with his den, completing adventures like:
Tigers in the Wild (Tiger adventure focused on outdoor exploration and nature)
Team Tiger (Tiger adventure about teamwork and den cooperation)
Tiger Bites (Tiger adventure about healthy eating and food preparation)
Tiger’s Roar (Tiger adventure about communication, expression, and den spirit)
Tiger Circles (Tiger adventure “Tiger Circles: Duty to God”)
Designed by Tiger (Tiger elective focused on creativity, building, or design)Plus, he also earned awards for:
Race Time (Award for participating in a race, e.g., Pinewood Derby)
Safe and Smart (Tiger adventure focusing on personal safety at home and in the community)
Let’s Camp (Award for participating in a camping activity)Awesome job, Elijah! Keep exploring!
Jason Taylor IV also earned his Tiger rank badge (The rank for first-graders, earned by completing required adventures) this year! Jason showed his skills and enthusiasm in a variety of activities, receiving awards for:
Fish On 🎣 (Bear adventure focused on fishing skills and conservation – way to reach ahead!)
Race Time 🏁 (Award for participating in a race, e.g., Pinewood Derby)
Safe and Smart 🛡️ (Tiger adventure focusing on personal safety at home and in the community)
Sky is the Limit 🚀 (Wolf adventure about aviation or space exploration – great exploring!)
Summertime Fun ☀️ (Award for participation in summer pack activities)Fantastic work, Jason!
🐺 Howls of congratulations for our Wolf Scouts!
Kiera Riley earned her Wolf rank badge (The rank for second-graders, earned by completing required adventures)! She has been hard at work on her Wolf adventures, earning awards for:
Footsteps 🐾 (Relating to Wolf adventures like “Paws on the Path” or “Running with the Pack,” focusing on hiking and outdoor skills)
Council Fire (Duty to Country) 🔥 (Wolf adventure about citizenship, U.S. history, and respect for the flag)Great job, Kiera! Keep up the great work with your den!
Natalie Nickou also earned her Wolf rank badge (The rank for second-graders, earned by completing required adventures) this year! She had a fantastic year as a Wolf Scout, earning:
Footsteps 🐾 (Relating to Wolf adventures like “Paws on the Path” or “Running with the Pack,” focusing on hiking and outdoor skills)
Council Fire (Duty to Country) 🔥 (Wolf adventure about citizenship, U.S. history, and respect for the flag)
Air of the Wolf 🌬️ (Wolf adventure exploring weather, flight, or aerodynamics)
Race Time 🏁 (Award for participating in a race, e.g., Pinewood Derby)
BB Gun Award 🎯 (Award for demonstrating safety and skill in BB gun shooting)Amazing achievements, Natalie!
🐻 And big Bear hugs for our Bear Scouts!
Elias Riley earned his Bear rank badge (The rank for third-graders, earned by completing required adventures)! He has been working hard on his Bear adventures, earning:
Bear Strong 💪 (Relating to Bear adventures like “Bear Necessities” or physical fitness electives, focusing on strength and health)
Fellowship 🙏 (Bear adventure “Fellowship and Duty to God,” focusing on faith and community)Fantastic job, Elias! Keep climbing!
Hendrix Smith earned his Bear rank badge (The rank for third-graders, earned by completing required adventures)! He showed his Bear power and curiosity, earning:
Bear Strong 💪 (Relating to Bear adventures like “Bear Necessities” or physical fitness electives, focusing on strength and health)
Standing Tall 🌲 (Wolf adventure about trees, nature, or conservation – great job exploring!)
Balancing Bears 🤸 (Bear elective adventure focusing on balance, coordination, or physical fitness like yoga)
Race Time 🏁 (Award for participating in a race, e.g., Pinewood Derby)
Super Science 🔬 (Bear adventure “Super Science” focusing on fun STEM experiments and discovery)Awesome work, Hendrix!
Layton Mays earned his Bear rank badge (The rank for third-graders, earned by completing required adventures)! What an amazing year of Scouting, earning a fantastic collection of awards across different areas! Layton received:
Paws of Action 🐾 (Wolf adventure “Paws of Action (Duty to Country)” focusing on community service and active citizenship)
Standing Tall 🌲 (Wolf adventure about trees, nature, or conservation)
Fellowship 🙏 (Could be Wolf’s “Duty to God and You” or Bear’s “Fellowship and Duty to God,” focusing on faith and values)
Champions of Nature 🏆 (Award for activities related to conservation or nature study)
Critter Care 🐇 (Bear adventure about learning to care for animals and understanding their needs)
Racetime 🏁 (Award for participating in a race, e.g., Pinewood Derby)
Roaring Laughter 😂 (Lion adventure focused on jokes, skits, and sharing fun with others)What a versatile Scout! Incredible job, Layton!
We also want to congratulate all our Scouts who earned their rank advancements:
Lion 🦁: Riggs McKimmey, Vincent Nickou.
Bobcat 🐾: Riggs McKimmey, Vincent Nickou.
Tiger 🐅: Elijah Alcorn, Jason Taylor IV.
Wolf 🐺: Kiera Riley, Natalie Nickou.
Bear 🐻: Elias Riley, Hendrix Smith, Layton Mays.
Beyond their rank badges, our Scouts also earned a variety of Adventure Loops and Pins, showing their new skills and knowledge in areas like camping, first aid, citizenship, STEM, and more!
🌟 A Huge Thank You to Our Pack Leaders! 🌟
This amazing year of Scouting wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and hard work of our Pack 63 leaders. A big round of applause for:
Laurie Mays – Cubmaster
Jason Taylor III – Assistant Cubmaster
Elisabeth Taylor – Committee Chair
Thank you for your commitment, guidance, and for making Scouting such a fun and rewarding experience for our youth! We also extend our gratitude to all the den leaders and parent volunteers who support our pack throughout the year.
☀️ Summer Adventures Await! ☀️
The fun doesn’t stop here! Pack 63 will be active over the summer with exciting opportunities for camps and hiking. Stay tuned for more details on how to join in on the adventures and keep the Scouting spirit alive all summer long!
🚀 Onward to Next Year! 🚀
Our dens are already looking forward to the next Scouting year! Our Lions will become Tigers, Tigers will become Wolves, Wolves will become Bears, and our Bears will be taking on the exciting challenges of the Webelos program. We can’t wait to see them all continue to learn, grow, and work towards their next rank!
Congratulations again to all our Pack 63 Cub Scouts! Keep doing your best!
A group of enthusiastic scouts from Troop 63 recently participated in the annual Scouts on Skis program at Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, West Virginia. This event, organized by the Old North State Council, allows scouts to experience winter sports and enjoy the company of fellow scouts.
The scouts, including Luke Johnson, Ethan Scout, Owen West, Beckett Shaw, and Sam Miller, along with their leaders, started their adventure with lunch at Fat Paddy’s in Huntington, West Virginia. They then traveled to the Summit Bechtel Scout Reservation for an exciting Saturday night.
Summit Bechtel Scout Reservation, located in the mountains of West Virginia, offers a wide range of outdoor activities and programs for scouts. The scouts stayed in Base Camp Pigott, which features dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and private restrooms. They also had access to a gathering room with a television, tables, and chairs for relaxation and bonding. Summit Bechtel Reserve is a world-class scouting facility that spans over 14,000 acres and is home to the National Scout Jamboree. It offers a wide range of outdoor adventures beyond skiing, including rock climbing, skateboarding, BMX, zip lining, and whitewater rafting. The reserve also features state-of-the-art sustainability features and promotes conservation efforts.
The next day, the scouts went to Winterplace Ski Resort, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. The resort offers a variety of slopes, from beginner-friendly bunny hills to challenging black diamonds. Winterplace is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse terrain, featuring 27 slopes, nine lifts, and a terrain park. It also offers snow tubing, night skiing, and a variety of dining options. Winterplace is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The scouts took advantage of the comprehensive ski package, which included lift tickets, ski rentals, helmet rentals, and group lessons.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the scouts worked on their Winter Sports merit badge. Led by instructor Ed Henry, they learned about various winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, and practiced their skills on the slopes.
To earn the Winter Sports merit badge, Scouts must demonstrate knowledge and skills in various winter sports. Some of the requirements include:
Understanding the risks and safety precautions associated with winter sports. This includes knowing how to dress appropriately for cold weather, how to identify and avoid hazards on the slopes, and how to respond in case of an emergency.
Demonstrating proficiency in a chosen winter sport. This could be skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Scouts must show that they can safely and effectively perform basic techniques and maneuvers in their chosen sport.
Learning about the history and development of winter sports. Scouts should be familiar with the origins of different winter sports, how they have evolved over time, and their cultural significance.
Understanding the environmental impact of winter sports. Scouts should be aware of the potential impact of winter sports on the environment and how to minimize their footprint. This includes practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting wildlife.
By fulfilling these requirements, Scouts gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for winter sports while developing valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in various aspects of their lives.
The scout leaders also joined the fun, showcasing their skiing skills and encouraging the scouts. The event was a success, with the scouts returning home with new skills, lasting memories, and a deeper appreciation for winter.
Beckett ShawSam MillerEthan Scott & Owen WestLuke JohnsonMikki JohnsonOwen WestMikki JohnsonMyra and Jeff MillerJason McDonald & Ethan ScottMegan Shaw
Troop 63 faced a true test of their Scout spirit at the Crossroads of America Council Monon District Fall Camporee in Bloomington, Indiana! From Friday, October 18th to Sunday, October 20th, Luke Johnson, Owen West, Ethan Scott, and Sam Miller tackled Search and Rescue training while enduring some chilly Indiana nights. The days were beautiful, with temperatures in the 70s, but as soon as the sun went down, the mercury plummeted to a frosty 37°F! 🥶
But did that stop our Scouts? Absolutely not! They bundled up in their warmest layers and showed those chilly temps who was boss. 💪 And in the end, they emerged victorious, earning their Search and Rescue merit badge!
Here’s how they conquered the challenge:
Requirement 1: Be Prepared for Anything!
This means understanding the hazards you might face during search and rescue, and boy, did they experience that firsthand! From chilly weather to difficult terrain and the potential for wild animal encounters, our Scouts learned how to prevent problems, stay safe, and handle emergencies like snakebites, dehydration, and shock.
Requirement 2: Don’t Get Lost Yourself!
This requirement focused on wilderness survival skills. The Scouts learned how to use a map and compass, signal for help, find and purify water, and build a survival shelter (which probably came in handy during those cold nights!). They also practiced essential skills like fire building and first aid.
Requirement 3: Gear Up!
Our Scouts had to learn about the essential equipment used in search and rescue, from basic first aid kits and signaling devices to specialized gear like GPS units, radios, and even search dog equipment. They learned how to pack and maintain their gear for any situation, including cold weather!
Requirement 4: Know Your Knots!
Knot-tying is crucial for search and rescue! The Scouts demonstrated their ability to tie knots like the square knot, bowline, clove hitch, and timber hitch, which are used for everything from securing ropes to building shelters.
Requirement 5: Incident Command System
Our Scouts got an introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS), which is used to manage emergencies effectively. They learned about the different roles and responsibilities within ICS and how it helps organize search and rescue efforts.
Requirement 6: Search and Rescue Teams
The Scouts explored the different types of search and rescue teams, like ground searchers, canine units, mounted searchers, and even dive teams. They learned about the unique skills and equipment each team uses.
Requirement 7: Wilderness, Urban, and Water Rescue
Search and rescue can happen anywhere! Our Scouts learned about the differences between searching for someone lost in the wilderness, a city, or a body of water. Each environment presents unique challenges and requires specific techniques.
Requirement 8: Plan a Search!
This involved putting their knowledge to the test! The Scouts worked through a hypothetical search and rescue scenario, creating an Incident Action Plan and discussing how factors like the missing person’s age and behavior would affect their search strategy.
Requirement 9: Hasty Search
Our Scouts planned and carried out a practice search, putting their clue awareness, evidence preservation, and tracking skills to the test. They learned how to conduct a “hasty search,” which is a rapid initial search for a missing person.
Requirement 10: Career Opportunities
Finally, the Scouts explored different career paths in search and rescue, learning about the education, training, and experience needed to become a professional or volunteer in this field.
We learned from the best, with demonstrations from:
Rescue helicopters 🚁
Search canines 🐕
Search drones 🛰️
The National Guard
And even with the cold nights, our Scouts had a blast at the National Jamboree-style camp bash Saturday night! 🎶🎉
To top it all off, Troop 63 ended their adventure Sunday morning with a hearty, hot breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Nothing like some pancakes and bacon after a weekend of camping and conquering challenges! 🥞🥓
We were also super impressed with the Ransburg Scout Reservation! Their facilities were top-notch – everything was updated and clean, and the Scout grounds were amazing. It was the perfect setting for a weekend of adventure!
A big shout-out to Troop 109, Troop 1090, and Crew 1109 of Fishers, Indiana for putting on such a memorable event!
This past weekend, Troop 63 embarked on a grueling 22-mile cycling adventure to earn their cycling merit badge! Scouts Luke Johnson, Owen West, Sam Miller, Ethan Scott, and Max Hawkins took on the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail, a 9-mile path that follows the historic route of a 19th-century railway. To reach their goal, they extended their ride beyond the main trail to explore additional paths and rack up those miles!
This trail isn’t just a flat, easy ride though. It features some challenging hills and a gravel surface that requires focus and skill to navigate. Our scouts were up for the challenge, with most of them conquering the full 22 miles!
Unfortunately, Sam Miller had a bit of a wipeout during the first leg that slowed him down. We’re happy to report that he’s okay, just a little scraped up. It’s a good reminder that safety always comes first, and even experienced cyclists can encounter unexpected obstacles. But, showing true Scout spirit, Sam was back on the trail later that day to finish the remaining miles with his fellow scouts! Way to go, Sam!
The Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail is a beautiful ride, offering scenic views and glimpses into the area’s rich history. Along the way, the scouts encountered historic sites, interpretive waysides, and even some scenic overlooks. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park while getting some exercise and working towards a merit badge!
“Ok, so it was smooth in some parts, it’s up and down combinations of both, not too much up and not too much down.” – Max Hawkins, perfectly describing the varied terrain of the trail.
Congratulations to all the scouts who participated in this challenging and rewarding adventure! We’re proud of your perseverance and dedication.
In addition to working on their cycling merit badge, Sam and Max also took some time to work on their cooking merit badge. They stopped along the trail and prepared a delicious pot of soup over a small campfire.
This was a great way for them to practice their cooking skills and learn more about how to prepare meals on the go. They were able to use the natural resources of the trail to gather ingredients, and they enjoyed a hot and satisfying meal after their long ride.
This experience was a valuable one for Sam and Max, and it helped them to earn their cooking merit badge. For Luke, this challenging ride marked the completion of his final requirement for the prestigious Eagle Scout rank! Congratulations, Luke!
Samuel Miller, a member of Troop 63 in Paris, Kentucky, recently traveled to Florida to participate in a unique opportunity to earn the Nuclear Science merit badge. The workshop, hosted by the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) Radiochemistry Laboratory, provided scouts with hands-on experience in the field of nuclear science. This marked the fifth time AFTAC has hosted this event to help scouts explore the field of nuclear science.
The day-long event, held on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at AFTAC, Bldg 10989, Patrick SFB, was open to scouts. Miller was the only scout from outside of Florida to attend.
During the workshop, Miller and 90 other scouts learned about radiation, nuclear fission, and safety from top AFTAC scientists and engineers. They also had the opportunity to build their own cloud chamber to “see” radioactive particles and use instruments to measure radiation.
To earn the merit badge, Miller also had to complete other requirements, such as:
Explain the difference between radiation exposure and contamination.
Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the environment, and wildlife.
Calculate his approximate annual radiation dose and compare it to that of someone who works in a nuclear power plant.
Explain the meaning of terms such as atom, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope, alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray, ionization, radioactivity, radioisotope, and stability.
Construct 3-D models for the atoms of three isotopes of an element, showing neutrons, protons, and electrons.
Build an electroscope and show how it works.
Perform an experiment demonstrating half-life.
Discuss decay chains.
Using a radiation survey meter and a radioactive source, show how the counts per minute change as the source gets closer to or farther from the radiation detector.
Explain how time, distance, and shielding can reduce an individual’s radiation dose.
Make a drawing showing how nuclear fission happens.
Explain how a chain reaction could be started and stopped in a nuclear reactor.
Give an example of how energy from an atom can be used in nuclear medicine, environmental applications, industrial applications, space exploration, and radiation therapy.
Miller said that he was excited to learn about nuclear science and that the workshop was a great experience. He also said that he was proud to be the only scout from outside of Florida to attend.
The Nuclear Science merit badge is one of the more difficult merit badges to earn, but Miller’s hard work and dedication paid off. He is now one of the few scouts in the country to have earned this prestigious award.
Miller’s accomplishment is a testament to his hard work and dedication. It is also a reminder that there are many opportunities available to scouts who are willing to put in the effort.
Troop 63 would like to remind all scouts to look for outstanding opportunities for merit badges and events. An excellent resource is the Scouts BSA Merit Badge Opportunities group on Facebook.
