More power to them, local Boy Scouts earning their cash for camp

Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Under the watchful eye of Kyle Delong (right), fellow Boy Scout Troop 186 member Jacob Grandy takes a turn at power-washing the north side of the home at 301 S. Jackson St., Greencastle, as the Scouts test out their expertise with the equipment. The Scouts have created their own business, the Green Clean Team, to earn money for summer camp experiences this year.
Banner Graphic/Eric Bernsee

In what has been a cultural touchstone for more than a century, Girl Scouts happily sell cookies each winter to help fund their trips to summer camp.

Meanwhile, many Cub Scout troops resort to annual popcorn sales to explode to achieve the same result.

But Boy Scout Troop 186 in Greencastle has shunned such sales, turning instead to elbow grease and some good, old-fashion work. The troop has even started its own business, the Green Clean Team, to earn money for summer camp.

Members of Troop 186 are joined by the occupant of the rental home at 301 N. Jackson St., Greencastle, after a job well done on their first power-washing venture recently. Scouts (from left) Kyle Delong, Epheraim Hale, Scoutmaster Mitch Dickerson, resident Steve Whitaker, Jacob Grandy, Joseph Hale and Hyrum Hale. The homeowner agreed to the free practice run but has promised to donate to the cause anyway, Dickerson said.
Courtesy photo

Under the tutelage of Scoutmaster Mitch Dickerson with his 12-15 years in the pressure-washing business, the local Scouts are looking for work, power-washing “homes, decks, fences and the like,” Dickerson told the Banner Graphic.

He noted that a lot of homes and buildings in general have ugly green algae build-up, particularly on the north side of the structures. Patio furniture and decks are also targets for the spraying Scouts.

Dickerson said he and the boys are “treating this as a great learning experience with a lot of practical experience to be gained.”

The Scouts will be working under the liability of Dickerson’s company. He ‘s provided them with power-washing rods that will reach 35 feet, “so the boys never have to get on a ladder,” he explained.

“The idea,” the scoutmaster continued, “is that I’m not going to do it for them, the boys know they need to jump in and do the work.”

On their recent trial run at 301 N. Jackson St. in Greencastle, Epheraim Hale, 16, was first to man the power washer with assistant senior patrol leader Jacob Grandy, 13, taking over later as the green disappeared from the cream-colored siding with their efforts.

Others taking part in the initial operation were senior patrol leader Hyrum Hale, 14, Joseph Hale, 12, and Kyle Delong, all students at Greencastle High School or Middle School.

As part of the project, the Scouts came up with their own Green Clean Team logo, featured on the back of their lime-green shirts which are illustrated with a castle bearing their Troop 186 number.

The design came about through cancer survivor Epheraim Hale, who received a laser cutter from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Dickerson said, and used it to cut out a stencil to create the Scouts’ distinctive business shirts.

“It’s been a real do-it-yourself operation,” Dickerson praised.

Most homes will likely need only one wall power-washed, he said. Estimated cost is $50, although two-story homes may run more. Those needing two walls done will cost $75, Dickerson said.

To make arrangements, persons can call 812-720-1183.

The Scouts will use what money they make from the power-washing venture to fun a pair of summer trips. One group of five boys is scheduled to go to Camp Krietenstein near Poland, while 10 participants will visit Red River Gorge in Kentucky as well.

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  • What a wonderful thing! Good luck scouts!

    -- Posted by Hazel on Thu, May 17, 2018, at 10:13 AM
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