WARREN — The Leadership School at Kieve-Wavus, hosted Boy Scout Troop 254 and the Venture crew both of Warren with the most difficult requirements of their "Climbing Merit Badge".

Director Rob Reilly and instructor Alex Drew (Drewsie) made the most of the two hour instruction and climbing period. All ten of the Scouts, ranging from ages 11-19, learned how to: correctly adjust their harness, helmet and climbing shoes, perform a mechanical belay, practice the belay during a brief "ground school,” give the climbing commands, and finally climb. Each participant made their three required, different, climbs and belayed three different climbers.

Not only did each Scout/Venture Scout complete these requirements, but each was up to completing progressively difficult challenges throughout the night. In some cases, it was a Scout overcoming, persevering and completing a climb on their own, despite a fear of falling. For some of the climbers, it meant a leap from the "Wavus Box", high above the floor-in which, the climber must put all of their faith in the Belayer and their equipment, and leap out to touch a ball hanging from the ceiling.

It was obvious to all of the parents in attendance, that the encouragement provided by Rob and Drewsie resulted in clear progress and confidence for the climbers. They are all much closer to earning their climbing badges, but more importantly, their confidence in themselves and each other has clearly grown. Community support at its best!

For more information on scouting, please contact Bruce Bossow Sr. at (207) 832-6528 or bjbossow@gmail.com