News release
Several members of Troop 133 were recognized for their service to scouting at the Wheatland District Baden Powell Banquet on March 5. These adults and youth were nominated for their awards by their peers and leader. They were chosen for the awards by the district awards committee.
Andy Hurla: Clarence E. Cook “Eager Beaver Award”, Pack 118 and Troop 133. The Clarence E. Cook Award is given to any volunteer that shows an exceptional level of dedication to Scouting and can always be counted on to get the job done. This is the 4th Highest Award in the District. Andy currently serves in leadership roles in two area scouting units. He is the Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 118 in Russell and is the Advancement Coordinator Scouts BSA Troop 133 in Hays. As Cubmaster, Andy is responsible to the general operations and program implementation of the various four Cub Scout Dens. He coordinates the unit’s outings, field trips and camp outs. As advancement Coordinator for troop 133, he acts as the units “guidance counselor”, helping scouts select merit badges to work on, what skills to develop and motivating the scouts to continue making progress toward their next rank. Additionally, Andy has taken on responsibilities in the troop for communications, long term planning and registering the scouts for various events.
Aaron Cunningham: Outstanding Friend of Scouting. Aaron serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 133. He also contributes to scouting in several ways in the Wheatland district and Coronado Area Council. He often serves as Master of Ceremonies for area scouting events and programs. Aaron serves as a course director or instructor with area National Youth Leadership Training and Wood Badge Adult leader training. Additionally, Aaron is the Ceremonials Advisor for the Kidi-Kidish Lodge of the Order of the Arrow.
Dana Cunningham (Not Pictured): Outstanding Benefactor Award. Dana is the Troop 133 Committee Chairman and serves in multiple other leadership areas of Scouting in the area. He is known for his generosity for assisting scouts, troops and crews to meet financial obligations for attending leadership courses, high adventure treks and Order for the Arrow events. He is also known for giving of his time and talent to maintaining troop equipment and resources.
Mason Eaton: Go-Getter Award. Mason is a member for the Bison Patrol with Troop 133. Mason has taken on several responsibilities this past year. He joined Order of the Arrow at Spring Conclave in May. For OA Fall Fellowship, he was asked at the last minute to attend and assist with the ceremonials team. He also contributed to putting on the Vespers service at Fall Fellowship. He was also elected as the Wheatland district OA chapter Chief that weekend. Mason assisted in planning the Kidi-Kidish Lodge winter banquet. In September he was elected as Patrol Leader and is developing into a good leader. Mason is consistently attending outings and services projects. He one of the most regular attendees. During our pack the pantry service project, he demonstrated good leadership in organizing scouts and coordinating efforts.
Justus Nelson: Outstanding Order of the Arrow Youth. Justus is a member for the Bison Patrol with Troop 133. Additionally, Justus was elected as Vice Chief of the West for the Kidi-Kidish Lodge of the Order of the Arrow in August at Fall Fellowship 2021. He completed his Brotherhood at Spring Conclave 2021. Justus help facilitate the planning and presentation of 2022 Winter Banquet for Kidi-Kidish Lodge in Hays. He also serves the lodge as a member of the Ordeal ceremonials team.
Denny Jonson: District Outstanding Scoutmaster Award, Troop 133, Hays. Denny is responsible for the general operations of the troop, organizing the leaders and youth for various activities including meetings and campouts. He often goes out of his way to ensure the scouts have the best possible experiences. Denny’s first responsibility as Scoutmaster this summer was leading a group of scouts on a one-week backpacking expedition through the Southern Rocky Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Jason Garner: District Outstanding Assistant Scoutmaster. Jason has been a dedicated leader in Troop 133 for the last several years serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. He is continually giving of his time to assist with troop activities. Jason was a leader for a High Adventure trek at Philmont this past summer. He spent several hours working with the crew to improve their critical skills for back backing, including gear selection and fitting, practicing cooking on stoves, food storage and land navigation. Jason continues to be a good resource for the scouts, teaching a multitude of skills and guiding in outdoor activity preparation. He is also willing to help each multiple merit badges with Troop 133 and during district merit badge days.
Amy Smith: Outstanding Popcorn Kernel. Amy is a member of the Troop 133 committee and was a Popcorn Kernel for this past year’s main fundraising event, the popcorn sale. Amy set up multiple store front sales thorough the Hays community and tracked each scout’s sales and orders. Amy coordinated with the other kernels to ensure all orders were fulfilled.
The Wheatland District of the Coronado Area Council encompasses all Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Units and Explorer posts in Russell, Ellis, Rooks, Osborne, Trego and Gove counties. Troop 133 is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Hays and meets on Tuesday nights at 6:45 p.m.