Elks help Scouts. Scouts help Elks. It’s like the circle of life writ small

Noblesville Elks #576 showed their support of youth in the community Monday by donating funds to Scouting America troops 222 and 183 to assist scouts attending camps. The relationship between the Elks and Troop 222 for girls began in 2022, when Troop 183 Scoutmaster Mike Wyatt offered the opportunity for the girls’ new troop to lead the Elks’ Flag Day ceremony.

“I wanted to give [them] a chance to get out in the community,” Wyatt said Monday.

Troop 222 has led the ceremonies for the last three years on June 14. Several of Wyatt’s scouts are relatives of members of 222 and have attended Flag Day ceremonies as well. So when the Elks offered financial support to help Scouts attend camp, they offered gifts to both troops, inviting representatives from the troops to the check presentation on Monday.

Troop 222 Eagle Scout Abby V. (right) thanks Martin Weiss, Noblesville Elks Past Exalted Ruler, for his lodge’s support of scouting her and her brother’s troops. The Elks present checks to Scouting America’s Troops 222 and 183 to support their Scouts’ camp experiences. Scouts Evelyn and Robbin joined other Scouts from the two troops to accept the gift. (Photo provided)

“I appreciate the connection we have with the Elks,” Troop 222 Scoutmaster Jenny Sherrill said. “This is one of the first organizations in the community that we have partnered with. We’re grateful for the financial support that will allow scouts to experience more adventure, more leadership opportunities, and more growth in Scouting.”

Elks Exalted Ruler Steve Vallier and past Exalted Ruler Martin Weiss have worked with the Scouts to direct giving that will have an impact on youth in the community.

Scouting America, which has been well-known for decades as the Boy Scouts, has units for boys and girls throughout the community. Troop 222 (girls) and Troop 183 (boys) are chartered by Bethel Lutheran Church of Noblesville and provide scouting experiences for youth ages 11 to 17.

For more information on joining a troop, contact Scoutmaster Jenny Sherrill at jennyrsherrill@gmail.com. The Elks, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, is a fraternal organization built on patriotism and service to the community, with Lodges throughout the country. Noblesville Elks #576 is on South Ninth Street downtown.