Camp introduces Boy Scouts to metal work

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The only thing higher than the temperature was the enthusiasm.

Despite thermometer readings in the mid-90s, approximately 50 Boy Scouts gathered around flaming coals, dodged sparks from cutting torches and donned heavy coats and gloves for a chance to weld.

The word of the evening as they moved from station to station seemed to be "awesome!"

For the fourth time in the past five years, area Boy Scouts gathered at the Sikeston Career and Technology Center to earn merit badges in welding and metal work.

The July 21 event brought together Scouts from troops in Sikeston, Charleston, Cape Girardeau and Kennett, Missouri.

David Johnson heats up metal at the forge while Timmy Burton begins hammering a piece of a metal into a shepherd's crook. The Scouts were participating in a merit-badge camp at the Sikeston Career and Technology Center.Jill Bock ~ Standard Democrat

This year's event was coordinated by Troop 4041 in Sikeston, with the assistance of Brent Trankler from the technology center welding program and Scott Crumpecker, troop committee chairman and a former Scout master.

In putting the event together, Trankler sought to give the young participants the opportunity to try out a variety of skills as they each created something of their own.

There was oxyacetylene cutting, in which each Scout cut out a shape, such as a heart or star.

Moving to another station, participants used a cutting torch to cut their name or initials into a plate, while others welded together a small three-dimensional deer.

At the blacksmith's station, Troy Riley helped the boys create a shepherd's crook.

Several companies brought in special displays and personnel to demonstrate some of the skills.

The Miller Travel Trailer display enabled students to go through several activity stations.

Lincoln Electric provided a welder simulator that let Scouts -- and even some of the adults -- test their skills virtually, much like a video game.

"A lot of people are donating a lot of time and resources to this," Trankler said of the merit-badge camp.

For Trankler and the others who put on the event, it was an opportunity to give back to the community and help young people.

He added he also hopes to introduce young people to new skills.

"Maybe this will inspire them to try something new. Maybe they will get into metal fabrication and metal work," he said.

Crumpecker agreed.

"This gives the boys exposure to a skill set that they would normally not be exposed to. Welding and metal work are kind of unique skills," he said, adding Sikeston is fortunate to have individuals with the knowledge and willingness to provide their time and the materials for everything the Scouts need to earn the badges.

"We have a lot of support from the community, and not just in donations. These guys are dedicating their time away from their families to help these boys out. I appreciate that, and it is important that these boys see these role models in our community," he said.

Crumpecker, who also is a member of the Sikeston R-6 School Board, added that having the merit badge camp at the technology center also opens up young people's eyes to what programs are offered locally.

Dalton Duncan said the program helped him learn about what is available at the high school.

Duncan, 15, was taking part in the camp for a second time.

"It's fun to come and see all the cool stuff they have and the stuff they can do," he said as he stood in the technology center's welding classroom.

First-timer Logan Payne, 14, of Charleston, admitted he thought the camp might be boring, saying he thought it might be just movies showing the skills.

"It's way more fun," he said.

"The virtual reality was kind of tricky, but it was awesome."

Joseph Heckemeyer of Sikeston, 11, said the blacksmithing session appealed to him the most.

He said he liked the creativity involved and getting to work with the metal.

Heckemeyer paused, then expanded on his list of favorites. "I like the experience of everything!"