BOONE, Iowa—In September 2017 the Boone Corps Explorer troop, a program similar to the Scouting program, began working diligently toward achieving their Divisional Commander Award.  The Divisional Commander Award is given to boys who have completed ten badges and two service projects.  Badges included learning about first aid, animals, energy, art, manners, communication, sports and the Bible.

In December 2017 the boys rang bells for two hours to help the youth groups and church members raise over $1,400 at one location on one day for the Boone Red Kettle Campaign.  For Easter 2018 the troop delivered gifts to local nursing homes and visited with residents to complete their second service project.

The boys received their award complete with a medal, certificate and letters from leaders of The Salvation Army in Omaha and Chicago.  Four of the six boys will be promoted to the next group in September to begin working on their next award while two will continue in the Explorer group and work toward the highest award they can receive in the program.

This program is open to all boys in first through twelfth grades.  For more information individuals can contact The Salvation Army at 515-432-5770.

Pictured: Back Row from L to R ~ Jesse Fogle, Anthony Kepple, Andrew Kepple
Front Row from L to R ~ DJ Brown, Johnathon Fogle, Bryon Tilley

(contributed article and photo, Salvation Army, Boone Corps)