Flags Over Batavia program boosts town patriotism, Scouting accessibility
If you've driven across Batavia on a holiday during summer you may have noticed quite a few flags posted around town.
The more than 800 flags posted boosting patriotism and community pride is a direct result of the Scouts BSA Troop 6 that has been serving Batavia for almost 100 years.
For the past eight years, the Troop's Flags Over Batavia program has increased town patriotism and pride while simultaneously raising funds to support Scout activities.
The Scouts post and retrieve more than 800 flags in front of homes and businesses across Batavia on each of the following holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
"Flags Over Batavia has become a contribution from our troop to patriotism in our town," says Scoutmaster Jason Zimberoff, who joins his eighth-grade scout in posting and retiring flags. "Even in the early morning hours we see people who appreciate what we're doing. They wave, they want to talk to us and thank us, we often hear stories about their Scouting experience as kids."
The program has been so successful that Troop 6 has been able to eliminate its annual $500-per-Scout dues reducing economic barriers to Scouting for boys from across Batavia.
In addition to eliminating scout dues, the program covers all expenses regarding monthly campouts across the area.
The program teaches responsibility, problem solving, and reinforces the traditional motto "Be Prepared."
Troop 6 Scouts are up early, in class A uniform, navigating route maps, posting and saluting up to 80 flags by 9 a.m.
The flags are then retired the same evening. In addition to posting the flags on holidays, the troop drills and marks holes at each flag location, cleans and repairs flags, and renews and collects subscriptions.
A $25 donation is requested from each family or business that subscribes to the program.
The Flags Over Batavia program began in 2013 when former Troop 6 quartermaster Scott Wilson heard success stories from troops running similar fundraisers in other Illinois towns.
Originally started in Troop 6 to help raise funds for older Scouts to attend special "High Adventure" programs, within four years the fundraiser was supporting the operating expenses for the whole troop. The program funds weekend campouts and other activities for the whole troop year-round, and enables the overarching goal of Scouts BSA: teaching kids how to be responsible leaders.
The program is perfectly suited for Batavia, as Flag Day founder Dr. Bernard J. Cigrand was a Batavia resident.
Troop 6 takes pride in this service through the summer holidays.
To learn more about the Flags Over Batavia program and join the waiting list for next year, feel free to reach out at flagsoverbatavia@gmail.com or visit flagsoverbatavia.weebly.com or www.facebook.com/FlagsOverBatavia/