Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
During the start of the Yelm City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Mayor Joe DePinto recognized one of the oldest entities in the area, Scouting America Troop 9268 — which celebrated its 100th anniversary since its founding.
The troop itself celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 22 — which DePinto dubbed “Yelm Scouts Day” during the meeting through a mayoral proclamation.
“Whereas, the Yelm Scouts have served our community for 100 years, fostering values of leadership, community service and personal growth among youth,” DePinto read. “And whereas, the first scoutmaster, Jack Gerber Sr., laid the foundation for excellence, guiding the first Eagle Scout, his son Jack Gerber Jr., to this esteemed rank in 1932.”
DePinto added that since the founding of the troop 100 years ago, Yelm Scouts, under the stewardship of dedicated community members, have upheld the core principles of scouting. He noted the group meets every Tuesday and embarks on a camping trip every third weekend.
“The troop has contributed significantly to the community through varied service projects, including highway cleanups, support during Yelm Prairie Days and assistance to the Nisqually Tribe and local organizations,” DePinto said. “Whereas, the legacy of Yelm Scouts is reflected in the accomplishments of its members, many of whom have gone on to serve in esteemed roles as firefighters, police officers, lawyers, engineers, successful business leaders, as well as having produced 72 Eagle Scouts.”
The mayor also gave his deepest gratitude to the leaders, volunteers and scoutmasters who have dedicated their time, energy and free time toward “shaping fine young individuals” through the principles of scouting.
Jeff Kasnick, Scouting America Troop 9268 scoutmaster, attended the meeting alongside members of his troop. He presented DePinto and the City of Yelm with a certificate of appreciation for their service toward his troop and for the recognition through the mayor’s proclamation.
Most importantly, Kasnick presented the City of Yelm with the certificate of appreciation as a “thank you” for allowing scouting to take place in Yelm. The certificate itself was signed by Scouting America Troop 9268’s committee chair and Kasnick, who has served as the troop’s scout master for the last six years.
Additionally, Christina Garcia, Yelm Lions Club president, presented Kasnick with a certificate of appreciation to thank him for his service and dedication to youth in the Nisqually Valley region. Scouting America Troop 9268 hosts its weekly meetings at the Yelm Lions Club’s Carlson Cabin.
“When it comes to scouting, it’s a place where it’s a game with a purpose,” Kasnick told the Nisqually Valley News, ahead of his troop’s anniversary. “It’s a place where we can come together, learn the values, the scout oath and scout law, and we have a good time learning skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. There’s not a lot of places where you can go out as a youth and plan and prepare for something like a campout.”
