Incirlik Boy, Girl Scouts: More Than 30 years at Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  For nearly 100 years, both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America have been helping youth mature into responsible adults.

Members of BSA, Troop 218, have been learning such skills since its founding in 1972.

"As a Boy Scout, you are recognized not only as a respectful and competent member of society, but also as a leader, able to handle any challenge that comes your way," said Capt. Lee Sims, assistant scout master. "By learning and living the Scout Law, these young men are able to be the type of people society can look to and want to emulate."

Just like the BSA, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America have been helping girls grow and become confident women since its inaugural meeting in Savannah, Ga., on March 12, 1912.

"An equivalent to the BSA, the GSUSA helps girls become mature, courageous, confident women of character, who can make the world a better place," said Master Sgt. Karen Horvath, co-overseas committee chair for the Girl Scouts in the Incirlik community.

Also, like their counterparts, the Girl Scouts have had a presence at Incirlik since the mid-seventies.

"The Girl Scouts here are officially called 'The Adana Incirlik Neighborhood Girl Scouts,'" said Sergeant Horvath. "We have five troops with 35 members right now and hope to get more as the community gains knowledge of our existence."

An important aspect of being a Girl Scout is the girls decide the direction of the troop.

"We strive to let the girls be themselves and always have a say in what direction they want their troop to go," said Sergeant Horvath. "Our most important message to the girls is they can make a difference and become leaders in their communities."

There are many reasons for joining the Boy and Girl Scouts, but having the desire to join is the most meaningful.

"The most important thing for any troop leader is making sure boys and girls understand they shouldn't join the scouts because they feel they are being forced to. It should be something they want to do," said Captain Sims.

There are also specific goals and tasks that must be accomplished in order to earn badges and advance through the ranks of the BSA and GSUSA.

"As much fun as the Boy Scouts have, just as important are the specific goals that must be achieved in order to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout," said Captain Sims. "To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills.

Captain Sims said there are many benefits that come with being a member of the Boy Scouts, such as self-respect and discipline.

"A few benefits of being a Boy Scout are the independence the boys gain, as well as an appreciation for nature, and other life-long skills," he said.

Depending on the desire of the scout members, both groups take various trips.

"Some Girl Scout troops take field trips on base, while others take trips in the local Adana area, such as the Cartouche Factory and AquaLand," said Sergeant Horvath. "The trips are based around what the girls want to do."

Boys interested in joining the Boy Scouts, Troop 218 should call Captain Sims at 676-7440. Girls interested in joining the Adana Incirlik Neighborhood Girl Scouts should call Sergeant Horvath at 676-1019.