Magnolia’s Boy Scout Troop 80, the one of the area’s most respected youth organizations, has named Brian Keaton as their new Scoutmaster to replace the departing and highly regarded, Tom Rankin.
"We won’t have perfect uniforms or straight lines, but we’re going to have a lot of fun," remarked Keaton, who is a Magnolia Youth Soccer coach, Lacrosse coach, and for the past four years, Cub Master of Pack 80.
During the preceding five years while Rankin was Scoutmaster, he lead his troop of 66 scouts on hiking and canoeing adventures for as long as 70 miles.
"Ten years ago if someone said I’d be on a trip like that, I’d have said, no way," said Rankin. Leading his scouts, he added, "Has been more meaningful than anything else I’ve done in the community service field."
Under Rankin, the group is set to promote 20 boys this year to the highest rank attainable, Eagle Scout ? the most in the history of Troop 80.
Keaton, who grew up as a Boy Scout and outdoor enthusiast, continued, "I’m looking forward to the job. This will be a good teaching opportunity." Asked how he decided to take on the extra duties and be a husband and father at the same time, he said, "Once my wife gave me her blessing, I jumped in."
Celebrating 100 years of Scouting, Troop 80 has continuously served Magnolia since 1921.
Thanks to Steven Smalley for this article and photos!
It’s always nice to know what the discriminatory groups are up to.
As a former Boy Scout I am appalled that it remains a bigoted organization in 2010.
Just out of curiosity why is it a bigoted organization?
The Boy Scouts of America will not allow gays or atheists or agnostics (or the sons of such people) to belong to their organization. But maybe that is OK given the high profile pedophile conviction within the organization and the secret files they have of scout abuse. I enjoyed the Scouts as a child, but I am appalled at the right wing turn it has taken.
The Boy Scouts of America will not allow gays or atheists or agnostics (or the sons of such people) to belong to their organization. But maybe that is OK given the high profile pedophile conviction within the organization and the secret files they have of scout abuse. I enjoyed the Scouts as a child, but I am appalled at the right wing turn it has taken.
Really? You think it wasn’t that way when you were a kid. Nice try. And, like any group in which you can choose to participate — join if you like what it stands for, or don’t. Not too tough.
Actually, you are incorrect. They do allow homosexual, atheist & agnostic youth into the Scouting program. Advancement is another matter since one of the 3 pillars of Scouting is “Duty to God”. What Scouting does not do is specify who or what your God must be, only that you search to discover and follow your true God.
They do not allow adults who follow these lifestyles for the very reasons you listed above since they are in a position of power just like a teacher. I too wish the files on abuse were open as I believe it would strengthen scouting rules and help to avoid future abuse. The background checks and reviews that leaders go through are some of the strongest anywhere, but if someone wants to sexually abuse a young man bad enough, sadly, they are very hard to stop.
These rules have been in place for over 75 years so no right wing turn is involved unless you consider youth safety a right wing agenda. Also, please listen to our Presidents plea for civility and stop the name calling. Disagreement is fine but name calling is not.
The Boy Scouts of America will not allow gays or atheists or agnostics (or the sons of such people) to belong to their organization. But maybe that is OK given the high profile pedophile conviction within the organization and the secret files they have of scout abuse. I enjoyed the Scouts as a child, but I am appalled at the right wing turn it has taken.
Thanks Brian and Julie Keaton. This family is an incredible asset to the Magnolia Community. Magnolia is fortunate to have them. And congratulations to Brian on his continuing commitment to the community.
Kyle Bollmeier – Charlottesville, VA
Thanks Brian and Julie Keaton. This family is an incredible asset to the Magnolia Community. Magnolia is fortunate to have them. And congratulations to Brian on his continuing commitment to the community.
Kyle Bollmeier – Charlottesville, VA
Thanks Brian and Julie Keaton. This family is an incredible asset to the Magnolia Community. Magnolia is fortunate to have them. And congratulations to Brian on his continuing commitment to the community.
Kyle Bollmeier – Charlottesville, VA
A big Thank you to Tom for his great leadership over the last five years. Boy Scouts is a great organization that has helped millions of youth grow into amazing adults and leaders. Thank you to all who step up and give your time and guidance.
A big Thank you to Tom for his great leadership over the last five years. Boy Scouts is a great organization that has helped millions of youth grow into amazing adults and leaders. Thank you to all who step up and give your time and guidance.
Hooray for the Boy Scouts of America, and glad to see that leadership, responsibility and courage are still being upheld.
Hooray for the Boy Scouts of America, and glad to see that leadership, responsibility and courage are still being upheld.
Hooray for the Boy Scouts of America, and glad to see that leadership, responsibility and courage are still being upheld.