Scoutmaster mentors youth through Eagle Scout ranks

Drew Morton mentors youth and provides training in leadership, citizenship and moral character as scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 48 in Crown Point.

Morton has a lifelong affiliation with Scouting and took on the role of troop scoutmaster five years ago. He wholeheartedly believes in the philosophy of Scouting.

"It gives you an opportunity to make a small difference in the world and hopefully to educate and build leaders. It gives youth new experiences, and it's fun," he said. "We wouldn't do it if it wasn't fun."

Scouting allows youth to experience unique and different experiences such as cave camping, a weeklong summer camp at Owasippe Camp in Michigan and weeklong canoe trips in Northern Minnesota. "We do (activities) their friends outside of Scouts don't get a chance to," Morton said.

The troop meets weekly to plan activities and service projects and to work on Scout skills.

Morton takes pride in providing leadership and mentoring Scouts to move through the ranks from the first phase Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class to the second phase of Star, Life and Eagle.

The Eagle Scout requires merit badges and a community service project planned and led by the Eagle Scout candidate. Through Morton's leadership, Troop 48 has had six Eagle Scouts in the past two years. Brad Koartge, Nathan McNally and John Corder recently attained Eagle Scout rank, bringing the troop's total this year to four.

In addition to leading the troop, Morton is a district round-table commissioner and webmaster for the district Web page, and he assists with sport shooting and teaching firearms skills and responsibility.

Morton and his wife, Robin, live in Crown Point and have four children.

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