New Boy Scout troop formed in Pocatello

A new boy scout troop is forming in Pocatello.

It will be troop No. 398 and will focus on civic education for scouts.

The Grassroots Democracy of Idaho has put out a call for scouts interested in joining its new troop.

Though the troop will be part of the National Boy Scouts of America, No. 398 is individually chartered. There is a curriculum from BSA, but it’s up to local charters, or troops, how each troop is run. Grassroots Democracy of Idaho, or GDI, is a non-profit, public charity. Troop No. 398 will be non-sectarian, meaning it is not sponsored by a specific, organized religion.

J.D. Wardell, founder of GDI and representative for the troop, said the group will include education on all religions and cultures. Part of the BSA’s oath is “Duty to God” and so that will be met, just not under the umbrella of a certain one religion.

The focus and goal of No. 398 is civic education and engagement.

“The main thing is we want to help raise people and show adults – everyone – from little kids all the way on through, the value of connecting with government and then how to connect with government,” Wardell said.

He said board members for GDI feel the concept of civics is not being taught as much in schools and kids aren’t taking as much of an interest.

GDI believes early education is important and wants to help with that.

“I really believe by the time someone’s an adult we’ve missed the opportunity to really get them properly educated and excited about being involved,” Wardell said.

Wardell said hopefully it will help raise more civically aware and involved adults.

“I really believe right now we have a politically apathetic and civilly apathetic generation raising an even more apathetic generation,” Wardell stated. “And it’s really put our state and our communities in a state of distress.”

He said for example, in Bannock County, voter turnout is usually poor. Sometimes it’s less than 50 percent, and for elections like school board members, voter turnout is in the 30th percentile.

He said aside from voting, people should know their voting rights and civic rights and many don’t. They don’t realize all the specifics. So they hope to educate kids about it.

He said the people of the U.S. are the checks and balances. If nobody takes an interest, governments can do whatever they want because nobody is paying attention.

Wardell said so far, the response and interest in No. 398 has been great. He already has several kids interested in joining. There is a Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster in place. Wardell added that many of those interested in joining were between kindergarten through 5th grade, so they are trying to form a Cub Scouts as well. All they need is a Denmaster.

Wardell said he’s also gotten calls from people in the Boise area wanting to start a similar troop in that area.

The fee is about $20 plus the cost of a uniform. Wardell said if the cost holds anybody up from joining, talk with the leaders and they will work with you.

Wardell said since it’s non-profit, they also need some donations. You can donate at any Idaho Central Credit Union location. Just tell them it’s for the Grassroots Democracy Boy Scouts. All donations are tax deductible and will be used only for scout purposes.

If interested in donating, being a volunteer, or just in learning more about the troop, call 208-380-8673. You can email grassrootsofidaho@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page.

The troop’s first meeting will be Friday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Public Library. Anyone is welcome to attend.

“We’re very excited,” Wardell said. “We just feel like it will be a good fit.”