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

“I wanted to give (them) a chance to get out into the community,” Wyatt said Monday.

The June 14 ceremonies have been led by Troop 222 for the past three years. Several of Wyatt’s Scouts are relatives of Troop 222 members and have also participated in Flag Day ceremonies. When the Elks offered the Scouts financial support to enable them to attend the camp, they offered gifts to both troops and invited representatives from the troops to the check presentation on Monday.

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

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

Elks Exalted Ruler Steve Vallier and former Exalted Ruler Martin Weiss have worked with the Scouts to direct donations that impact youth in the community.

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

For more information on joining a group, contact Scoutmaster Jenny Sherrill at [email protected]. The Elks, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, is a fraternal organization built on patriotism and community service with lodges across the country. Noblesville Elks #576 is located downtown on South Ninth Street.