You read about our amazing adventures each month so this month we thought we would share a bit about the adults behind the scenes. The scouting program wouldn’t be possible without these amazing adult leaders and committee members. Allow us to introduce ourselves!
Our fearless leaders in Montreal in 2022
We are grateful to have numerous active Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM) within both troops who support the advancement of our scouts and bring some important talents to who troop. Our scoutmasters are nurses, engineers, contractors, business professionals, past scouts and so much more. They enjoy outdoor adventure and teaching life skills. They help ignite excitement for the outdoors in our scouts. Shout out to our awesome ASM’s, Art Sikes, Chris Sikes, Stacey Coleman, Frances Gibson, Keith Griswold, Jacob LaValley, Kevin McCormick, Jason Fife, Steve Sutton and Michael Welch. We would be remiss if we didn’t also acknowledge our appreciation for the past adult leaders and parents who shaped the program into what it is today. They established traditions, purchased equipment and laid the foundation for this strong program.
We are fortunate to have Cliff Barron, who is the committee chair for both Troop 260 and 262. He is an Eagle Scout who has been leading scouts in Suffield for over eighteen years. Cliff is our resident chef and inspires our scouts with delicious camp recipes and delights leaders’ tastebuds at campouts! He provides consistent support and encouragement to all the Scoutmasters and scouts. Cliff and the troops are also supported by our wonderful committee members Rich and Linda Bixler, Helene Boldt, Beth Craig, Angela Cremins, Roxann Mankouski, and Bev Sikes.
Mike Cremins is the Scoutmaster for Troop 260, our boy troop. He has been part of scouting in Suffield for over fifteen years, starting as a Cubmaster for both Pack 66 and 266, before becoming Scoutmaster. Mike served in the 82nd Airborne and the 75th Ranger Regiment of the U.S. Army. Mike is a Physician Associate in orthopedic surgery and an epidemiologist. Mike loves outdoor adventure and brings fresh programing ideas to keep the program exciting and exhilarating.
Krystal Holmes is the Scoutmaster for Troop 262, our girl troop. She has been part of scouting in Suffield for five years, and previously served as a Girl Scout leader for six years. Krystal is a local realtor and has a long history of service within the community, including service on the Board of Selectmen, Suffield PMC Kids Ride, The Suffield Observer and Suffield Community Aid. Krystal enjoys a good adventure and being part of the growth of each scout.
Scouts is a youth-led, year-round program designed to encourage character development and promote outdoor adventure. The program is extremely active, including camping, canoeing, hiking, caving, swimming, climbing, urban navigation, skiing, and so much more. Scouting is empowering – building confidence, improving communication skills, and teaching responsibility, all of which helps Scouts be prepared for life. We credit our terrific leaders, parents, and committee members (past and present) for keeping our scouts safe, supporting their journey and making the program the best it can be.