At 8:00 AM on the morning of August 1, 1907, General Robert Baden-Powell sounded a kudu horn to open the Brownsea Island camp for boys. 100 years later, Jake, Josh, and John joined Scouts and Scouters from the local Flintlock District and their guests at St. Theresa’s in North Reading to recreate that moment.
Assistant District Commissioner Tony O’Brien practiced for weeks with the kudu horn in advance of his virtuoso performance at precisely 8:00 AM. The brief, but tonally pure note from the horn was followed by a recounting of the story of Brownsea Island Scout Camp by Unit Commissioner John Intorcio.
The event, hosted by North Reading’s Troop 750 and featuring a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs, was attended by representatives of the Council and District leadership, guests from Troops and Packs in neighboring communities, Cub and Boy Scouts from North Reading’s Packs 729 and 731 and Troop 750, and well as guests from the community including the most senior attendee, Eagle Scout Joe Sadlow, who joined the Scouts in 1938.
The event concluded with a recommitment to Scouting’s next 100 years: On my honor, I will do my best, to carry on the traditions of Scouting, to the Scouts who follow in my footsteps, and to commit myself to live by the Scout Oath and Law.
It was a great morning!
