History of the Scouts for Exceptional Youth

 

        In 1977 two Eastern Montana College students envisioned that children with disabilities would be involved in the same activities as non-disabled youth.  The Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, Eastern Montana College, Knights of Columbus, the Sara Detachment Marine Corps League and Special Transportation Inc pulled together to have the first special Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops in the nation.  The Knights of Columbus presented this program at their National Convention as a result several other special scout troops began. 

        The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts provide Leadership training, program guidance, and materials.  The troops can participate in all Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts state and local events, camps and programs.  The Girl Scouts provides a liaison person between the troops and the service center.

        The Knights of Columbus have an annual tootsie roll drive to financially support special scouts.  In the past they provided a meeting facility, and involve the community with the troops.

        The Marine Corps League sponsors a youth physical fitness program nationally.  The Sara Detachment Marine Corps League chose Special Scouts.  Three times a year the youth compete among him or her self and then is given a certificate of completion.

        Eastern Montana College (MSU-Billings) offers internships and college credit as a way for students to build their leadership skills.  In the past they have provided meeting facilities and involve the community with the troops.

        In the past Special Transportation Inc transported the youth from their homes to the meetings or community outings and then back home.

        First United Methodist Church provides meeting facilities.

Thank you to our many sponsors over the past 25 years!!!!

 

Kathy Rump & Eileen Jenneman Keaten            (EMC College Students who began Special Scouts)

Treasure Trails Girl Scout Council

-  Eileen Morris                -  Renee Christiansen          -  Melody Fitch          -  Dee Muth

-  Rnita Powell                  -  Della Howell                  -  Lila Palmer            -  Sue Phelps

-  Sharon Tuhy                

Montana Council of Boy Scouts of America – Black Otter District

-  Bill Henderson               -  Wes Jensen                 -  Kathy Johnson        -  Tim Jackson

-  Ellen Schnee

Knights of Columbus

-           Roger & Vernis Gustin      -  Allen Peters          -  Kay Mueller                  -  Kent Kreiter

-           James Keen                 -  Gary Cormier         -  Ron Nistler                  -  Bob Murphy

Sara Detachment Marine Corps League

       -  Burt Giguox                  -  Herb Livingston              -  Nick Nemsbun

Eastern Montana College (MSU-Billings)                        

-  Eila Nickoloff

Special Transportation Inc.

First United Methodist Church

Billings Gazette

Alberta Bair Theater

Albertson’s

PLUK

American Red Cross