Boy Scouts work to preserve tradition, cabin in Benton, Mo.

BENTON, Mo. -- People always have to give back. That's what keeps an organization going.

That's something Jim Arteme, a former Scout Master of Troop 25 in Benton, said he taught children in Boy Scouts years ago.

And now it's something the current troop and community members are asking others to do to keep the tradition of scouting alive in Benton, in addition to preserving an almost 70-year-old cabin.

"It's kind of like a landmark for Benton," said Roy Proctor, another former member. The cabin is at the foot of Benton's water tower.

As the Benton Chamber of Commerce was looking to sell some of its land at the group's meeting earlier this month, Boy Scout supporters asked to be able to take over the cabin and the land it sits on.

Those involved were able to work out a deal in which the Scouts could keep the cabin so long as it is restored and maintained.

That's where others come in. The cabin hasn't been renovated since 1989, so there's quite a bit of work to be done.

To help kick start the project, the chamber donated $500. Other fundraisers are in the planning stages, and those involved said they'll accept any kind of labor or monetary donations.

Spearheading the project is current Scout master John Smith.

"It's cosmetic things, but nothing really major," Smith said. Some logs have rotted and need to be repaired or replaced. Repairs are also needed on the roof.

"We also want to put a restroom in, because the Girl Scouts said they would use the building if there was a restroom," Smith said. And he and others hope to make it a gathering hall for not just Boy Scouts, but also Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies.

"The word 'Scout' covers all four groups," he said.

The 30-by-30-foot cabin was constructed with logs from the Ozarks. It includes four rooms: an assembly room, kitchen, workshop and laboratory. There are also front and back porches.

There is a campfire ring behind the building.

At the Chamber meeting, members voted to hand over the cabin and some land surrounding it -- less than half an acre -- to the troop.

When work was done in 1989, electricity and new windows were installed. The cabin has seen deterioration due to neglect, age and vandalism.

Those involved said they hope the renovations will spur more involvement in the local organization -- as well as awareness. "A lot of people don't know there is a Boy Scout cabin or unit in Benton," Smith said. "And when you have more kids, there are a lot more things you can do."

Those interested in helping may call John Smith at 573-837-6993.