Local scouts don’t have to hike far to get their uniforms. A scout store is found inside Southern Home and Garden Ace Hardware at 1110 North Park Street in Carrollton.
New scouts need 5-6 items to get started, including a shirt and a handbook. Each age group has different requirements, and Southern has guides for each one, in both Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA (as Boy Scouts are now known).
A part of the scouting community for over 10 years, the store serves as a fundraising location for local troops and packs. “Through the year you’ll see scouts set up out front,” said general manager Frank Cuda. “It’s great.”
We talked with two local scouts at the store about the upcoming year. Brothers Walker and Rory Camp are off to Cloudland Canyon this weekend. Camping is their favorite part of scouts. “Sometimes we get to go out of state,” said Walker. “And hike!” added Rory.
For Rory, the year ahead involves working on ranks, with a few merit badges along the way. Walker is close to becoming an eagle. He is working with his local church as he decides on an Eagle project to complete.
Younger brother Rory explained that the troop has an outing every two months, and scouts plan everything. Though adults are on hand as mentors, the scouts plan their own campouts and meetings. It’s what their mom, Molly Camp, appreciates most about the experience. “Scouts gives that piece they’re missing for being a well-rounded adult, when it’s time to be one,” she said.
The scout store at Southern Home and Garden is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
