{KXLG – Watertown, SD} The inaugural “Breakfast for Scouting” event took place this morning in Watertown at the Life Song Event Space, bringing together community members to celebrate and support Scouting for America.
The event, hosted by Watertown Area Scouts, featured personal testimonials from local Scouts and leaders and discussions on the enduring importance of Scouting in shaping young lives and fostering good citizenship. The Watertown Area Community Foundation was the event’s underwriter.
Kerry Kulkarni
Kerry Kulkarni, an executive for the Arrowhead District, welcomed attendees and shared her long history with Scouting, including helping her children achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and her involvement in starting one of the first all-girls troops in South Dakota. She also highlighted Watertown’s strong Scouting presence, with two troops and three Cub Scout packs, which saw two Scouts earn their Eagle rank in 2024.
Pastor Bryce Blank of First United Methodist Church
Pastor Bryce Blank of First United Methodist Church delivered the invocation. He then shared a compelling story about earning the Climbing Merit Badge as an Eagle Scout from Rapid City…
He recounted a moment of fear while climbing a rock face…
Blank emphasized how the support and guidance of his fellow Scouts and leaders helped him overcome his anxiety and safely descend. He further highlighted that Scouting’s value extends beyond technical skills. It provides opportunities for new experiences, pushes personal limits, and offers crucial support when challenges arise. He encouraged continued support for Scouting to provide these same opportunities for current and future youth.
Hannah Bartelt
Hannah Bartelt, a Life Scout from Troop 8, introduced the keynote speaker, former State Senator Lee Schoenbeck, an Eagle Scout from Webster, SD. Bartelt spoke of Schoenbeck’s long involvement with Scouting, from his early days in Troop 35 to his continued service as a leader and advocate for the organization.
Lee Schoenbeck
Keynote Speaker Lee Schoenbeck shared anecdotes from his own Scouting experiences, including memorable times at summer camp…
He emphasized the lifelong relationships and leadership skills developed through the program and passionately spoke about the importance of Scouting for America, particularly in today’s rapidly changing world…
Drawing on historical examples, Schoenbeck underscored the fragility of the American Constitution and the necessity of engaged and responsible citizens committed to its principles. He argued that Scouting plays a vital role in instilling these values in young people, fostering an understanding and respect for citizenship. He concluded by reciting the Scout Oath.
Dylan Morris
Dylan Morris, a former Life Scout from Troop 209, delivered a heartfelt presentation on how Scouting deeply changed his life. He spoke of finding belonging and lifelong friendships within the Scouts…
Morris underlined how the Scout Law provided a valuable roadmap for his life, instilling principles of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence. He shared personal stories of overcoming adversity with the support of his Scout leaders and friends, underscoring the lasting impact of the program.
Deputy Mayor Randy Tupper represented the City of Watertown and spoke about the positive influence of Scouting on the community, noting that many successful residents were involved in the program. He highlighted the leadership skills and values instilled by Scouting….
Tupper shared a poem about the impact of individual actions, accentuating that Scouting teaches young people they can make a difference in the world, one step at a time, and that the current Scouts will become future leaders in the community.
Randy Tupper
Melissa Stricherz, Executive Director of Sioux Council Scouting, expressed her gratitude for the powerful stories shared and thanked everyone for their support of Scouting.
Chris Bartelt
Chris Bartelt delivered the request for support, stressing the strong sense of community within Scouting and the continued involvement of alumni and supporters. He underlined that Scouting serves as both a platform for developing young leaders and a crucial safety net for youth, providing positive role models and support outside of their immediate families.
Bartelt explained that the funds raised will help continue fostering and building the Scouting community for the youth of Watertown and northeast South Dakota, regardless of their financial ability to participate. The goal is to make the adventures and experiences of Scouting accessible to all, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent any young person from benefiting from the program…
Bartelt stressed that supporting Scouting today directly invests in the future and empowers the community’s youth, potentially leading to future leaders who will one day share their own stories of the impact of Scouting’s generosity.
The inaugural “Breakfast for Scouting” concluded with a sense of shared commitment to Scouting for America’s mission in the Watertown community.
Listen to the entire event audio below:
