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PHOTO: Scott Adams and his wife, Priscilla. (Submitted photo)
CHINA – Scott Adams, who recently stepped down as scoutmaster of Troop 479 after 32 years is being recognized by the Kennebec Valley District for his service.
But Adams isn’t leaving local scouting – he’ll remain committee chair of Troop 479 and treasurer of the Bomazeen Old Timers.
When Adams took over Troop 479 in August 1989, it had four Scouts, including his son, Matthew. Now the troop is one of the healthiest in the Kennebec Valley District, BSA officials said. Since then, 44 Scouts from the troop have earned Eagle rank.
Adams actually began with the troop in 1966 as a Scout under Scoutmaster Preston Mosher.
“I joined because that was the thing to do,” Adams said. “My two best friends were in the troop, so I joined too.”
He moved on to other things, but rejoined Scouting in 1984 as a member of the Pack Committee for Albion Pack 410. When the family moved to China they became involved with Pack 479.
Adams said the key is getting kids outdoors. “If you get them outside and show them that they can enjoy themselves out there, they will stay with the program,” he said. “The longer they stay in the program the more they will learn about citizenship, character, fitness and leadership development. We’re teaching lifelong skills, but doing it in a way that they enjoy.”
Christian Hunter, who became an Eagle under Adams, became Troop 479 scoutmaster in February. “It’s hard to believe all that Mr. Adams did as scoutmaster,” Hunter said. “Mr. Adam’s planned at least one campout and service project for the troop every month.” He said he also make sure every Scout had the opportunity to advance.
Adams was “an excellent teacher,” Hunter said, not only with things like planning and learning the Scout Handbook, but how to support the community.
“If you had a question about anything, Mr. Adams always had the answer and would explain it to you so that you would understand,” Hunter said. “He always made sure to test us on the skills he had taught us, to make sure they would stay with us and help us as adults.”
Bomazeen Camp Director Bruce Rueger said Adams’ commitment extends to the Bomazeen Old Timers. “Scott is the most passionate and effective Scout Leader I have worked with,” Rueger said. The organization raises money to provide camperships for camperships as well as to outfit the camp. “I can’t even begin to imagine where the camp would be without all of his work.”
The pair are working together to keep Bomazeen, on Great Pond in Belgrade, from being sold, so that Scouts from Kennebec and Somerset counties will continue to be able to use it for decades to come.
“Bomazeen to me is what Scouting is all about,” Adams said. “I will challenge anyone to come up with a waterfront and camp that is better than at Bomazeen. People do not realize the treasure that they have.”
Kennebec Valley District Chair Joe Shelton, who was recruited by Adams, cited Adams’ dedication to the community. “He will help anyone who asks,” Shelton said. “I’ve never seen him turn anyone away that deserved his insight, guidance or assistance.”
Adams’ advice to others in the program is to make every kid welcome, give them an opportunity to succeed and have a strong outdoor program.
Adams’ wife, Priscilla, said that as much as he’s willing to help anyone, “He has always put just as much time and energy into the family as he has put into Scouting.”
