SOTG Marines helps scouts earn boating merit badges

SOTG Marines help scouts earn boating merit badgesLance Cpl. Richard BlumensteinCAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa (June 29, 2007) -- Traditionally, Boy Scout summer camp programs involve hiking, camp fires and an assortment of activities meant to develop the young scouts' character while helping them earn merit badges.
But for scouts on Okinawa who participated June 17-23 in Camp Okinawa 2007, it also meant cruising the waters of Oura Wan Beach in combat rubber reconnaissance rafts, or Zodiacs.
For the third consecutive year, Marines with Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, volunteered their time to provide a unique way for the scouts to earn their Motorboating Merit Badges, according to Roddie McKain, the district commissioner of the Boys Scouts of America Great Okinawa District.
"Most (Boy Scouts) don't get to use Zodiacs to earn their Motorboating Merit Badge," said 14-year-old scout Andrew E. Freeman. "This is awesome."
The Marines taught the scouts, ranging from ages 11-17, basic boating knowledge such as the nautical rules of the road, boat handling, knots and aids to navigation.
"Basically we're teaching them to be good boaters," said Sgt. Bart P. Dellinger, the senior amphibious raid instructor with SOTG.
The scouts trained to drive the Zodiac in a straight line for a quarter of a mile, tie off to another boat and maneuver the craft in a figure eight, while following the Marines' instructions.
"It was a great experience," said 17-year-old Colton Potter. "The Zodiacs really have power. I'm glad the Marines let us earn are Merit Badges with them."
Dellinger said mentoring the scouts provided a great change of pace for the Marines and all of them enjoyed their part in the camp.
"It's so different from teaching Marines," Dellinger said. "It's their expressions; they always look like they're having a great time."
Because both organizations have similar characteristics such as physical fitness, honesty, honor and patriotism, the Marines provide perfect mentors for the scouts, said Stanley Potts, a scout master with Troop 109 on Kadena Air Base. He added that the camp also helped develop the scouts' character and leadership traits.
"The Marines are being nothing less than ideal role models for the children," Potts said.