Kilgore scout troop needs scoutmaster
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

Daivd Gano speaks with Lions about the future of scouting in Kilgore.

Boy Scouts of America is a big part of any community and Kilgore is no different in that respect. But the organization needs some help here.

David Gano, finance director for the East Texas Area Council for Boy Scouts of America, said there are three scout troops in Kilgore. "We have just recently started a new troop through Christ the King Catholic Church for Hispanic children," said Gano. "But the problem is Troop 265, which is sponsored by the Lions Club of Kilgore is without a Scoutmaster."

If Troop 265 does not get a Scoutmaster by December then the troop will be dissolved said Gano.

Gano said there is an untapped resource when it comes to boys wanting to join scouting in Kilgore and hopes someone will step up to take on this very rewarding obligation. Gano admits, however, that the obligation requires a time commitment of time.

Scoutmasters attend monthly meetings, weekend campouts and summer camp, said Gano. "We also want anyone interested to know that this position is not gender specific," said Gano. "We have both male and female Scoutmasters."

Gano's office covers 17 counties and 14,300 scouts with a budget of $1.8 million a year. "This sounds like a lot of money, but when you break down the numbers it is only $127 per scout," said Gano.

Gano said the other scout troop in Kilgore is sponsored by the Kilgore Rotary Club.