British, U.S. scouts receive an ‘American Experience’

  • Published
  • By Capt. Zack Kalinauskas
  • 48th Medical Group
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  On the afternoon of Oct. 25, 100 scouts and volunteers from the Boy Scouts of America Transatlantic Council and the British Scout Association descended onto Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, for a historical meeting designated, "An American Experience."

During the next two days, the youth exchanged experiences and enjoyed their similarities, through camaraderie and fellowship. From the opening ceremony, the precedent was set - bring the history of yesterday to the youth. Kids learned of the base heritage and how American forces and the 48th Fighter Wing came to be located at RAF Lakenheath.

RAF Sqn. Ldr. Jerry Neild, RAF commander, RAF Lakenheath, welcomed the youth during a parade of flags. The scouts then went on a small historical hike of three miles, seeing some of the fighter planes of the past, from Spitfires, to the present F-15E Strike Eagle. They also enjoyed a hands-on display of the Strike Eagle, as well as learned firsthand from a pilot, Lt. Col. Grant Bucks, 494th Fighter Squadron director of operations, its capabilities in defending the skies of U.S. and U.K. allies. The youth were also intrigued by the HH-60G Pave Hawk, F-15C, and ejection seat on display. As an added bonus, the static display was also available for local U.S. Cub Scouts, U.K. Cubs, and Beavers. All were left in awe at the display of military strength.

During the day, the youth were also informed of how scouting came to America from the UK and the legend of the unknown scout that sparked a world movement for youth.

Scout units in attendance at An American Experience included: BSA Troops 215 and 219, Mayflower District of the Transatlantic Council; 1st Bradwell Scout group, Iceni Explorer Scout Unit from Thetford, Norfolk District; and scouts and explorers from 1st Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire. Jonathan Earle, 1st Bradwell Scouts Leader, said, "the Scouts had a fantastic time and the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will stay with them for many years to come. The hospitality of RAF Lakenheath and my fellow leaders from both nations encapsulated the true meaning of scouting and friendship."

Steve Lucas, Abbots Bromley Explorer Scouts leader, recalled attending a similar event in 1967 as a youth in which BSA Troop 219 of RAF Lakenheath and his unit participated. "I first contacted the base over a year ago wondering if American scouts were still present there. To my delight they were," said Lucas. "A brief meeting and many emails later, here we are rekindling the bonds of scouting brotherhood in the community and world."

Lucas proudly carried his campfire blanket that still had the Troop 219 unit numbers and Transatlantic Council strip from 46 years ago. "I am looking forward to adding the new council strip to my blanket as well as these memories to my scouts," he said.

The youth ate breakfast and lunch at the base's military dining facility, The Knight's Table, enjoying a bit of American cuisine. Then, they headed off to a weapons display by the 48th FW Security Forces Squadron and a demonstration by the base K-9 unit. Afterward, the scouts and volunteers watched a game of American football as the base's high school junior jarsity team battled it out with a rival school from Brussels. Then they played American football themselves. A couple games and a few touchdowns later, they then got to relax and see what the American kids get to experience around the base.

The youths went roller skating, hung out at the teen community center and knocked over a few pins at the bowling alley. The highlight for many of them was dinner; the scouts got to choose from the many fast-food and dining establishments on base. "I think the most delightful part of the dinners was watching the kids at Taco Bell looking up at the menu for five minutes wondering, 'what is that?'" said Camp Director Capt. Zack Kalinauskas, 48th Medical Group disease manager, and camp director. The majority of British youth wanted to try something different so they made their way to Taco Bell.

As the evening grew dim, the stars came out and scouts did what they do best - had their traditional evening campfire songs and skits. Col. Kyle Robinson, 48th FW commander, spoke to the youth around the glow and sparks of the fire, about community building and leaders of tomorrow. After several songs and funny dances, the campfire died down and taps played through the blowing wind as the scouts' heavy heads hit the pillows with a smile.

Camp concluded Sunday, following "Scouts' Own," led by the program director, Alan Petz. A final remark by the camp director was a quote from Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement, from his closing of the first International Scout Jamboree in London, Aug. 7, 1920. "Brother scouts, differences exist between the peoples of the world in thought and sentiment, just as they do in language and physique. The Jamboree has taught us that if we exercise mutual forbearance and give and take, then there is sympathy and harmony. If it be your will, let us go forth, fully determined that we will develop among ourselves and our boys that comradeship, through the worldwide spirit of the Scout brotherhood, so that we may help to develop peace and happiness in the world and goodwill among men."