The Boy Scouts of America, International Division, has selected Philip Barnett of Bartlesville, OK to be a member of a United States Scout contingent traveling to Narita, Japan. Philip is one of only 36 Boy Scout, Venture, and Explorer Scouts from across the nation traveling with their adult leaders to Japan in February 2008. They will participate in the exchange program of the Scouting Association of Japan and the Boy Scouts of America.

In Japan, Philip will participate in a youth forum with Scouts from the Asia Pacific Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, an organization of some 25 nations. They will tour historic cities and ancient sites in Japan during their visit and learn more of the history and traditions of the Japanese people. In addition there is a hospitality visit with a Japanese host family.

Philip is a junior at Bartlesville’s American Christian School and is active in debate, athletics, and church activities. He is a Life Scout (currently working on his Eagle rank) with Troop 32 sponsored by the Bartlesville First Wesleyan Church. He has attended many other Scouting events including the National Boy Scout Jamboree, Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base and various summer camps during his Scouting years. He has also earned his God and Country Award in addition to multiple merit badges. Philip learned more about International Scouting when he and his family hosted a Scout from France in their home last summer.

Dale Copeland, the local council international representative says, “Philip’s outstanding Scouting background makes him a terrific representative of Bartlesville and our Scout Council.” Philip is the son of Jerold and Gail Barnett of Bartlesville.

According to Chris Cook, council president, “This cultural exchange is part of a program initiated several years ago to increase the awareness of other cultures while providing the opportunity for Scouts from many nations to become friends with and learn from each other. Valuable insights and experiences result from these international Scouting events and lifelong memories and friendships are forged.”

The Cherokee Area Council or the Boy Scouts of America has served northeast Oklahoma since 1910. There are more than 2,700 young men and women who participate in Scouting activities in our region every year. More than 80 organizations sponsor Scouting units, which demonstrates the deep civic engagement of Scouting. Young people or adults who want to learn more about Scouting in northeast Oklahoma can visit the Council’s website at www.CherokeeBSA.org or contact the local Boy Scout Council Service Center at 918-336-9170.

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Boy Scouts of America upon recommendation of the National Court of Honor awarded the National Certificate of Merit to Ethan Daniel Voelkers of Troop 2 in Bartlesville, OK for putting into practice Scouting skills and ideals. Ethan’s actions and information prevented others from being injured.

On December 2, Ed Harvey, Council Executive of Cherokee Council (left) presented the award to Ethan (right) during Ethan’s Eagle Ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church in Bartlesville.

On April 21, 2007, on a campout weekend with Troop 2 at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in north central Oklahoma, Ethan Voelkers made a startling discovery.

While digging for selenite crystals, Ethan dug into an unseen glass vial containing an unidentified substance. Being instantly overcome by the gas, Ethan was fortunate enough to escape using common sense, instinct and a bit of Scout training. He ran from the area to get fresh air and water. The strong wind helped clear his lungs, and he was able to tell what had happened.

Ethan and his parents contacted the Wildlife Refuge manager, and because of Ethan’s ability to describe where he had been digging, the rangers were able to find the hole he had dug and located 11 unidentified vials of an unknown substance.

The vials were chemical agent test kits used to train soldiers during World War II. Among these chemicals were mustard gas, phosgene and chloropicrin, all diluted with chloroform.

A total of 158 intact vials and at least 20 broken vials were found along with incendiary bomblets which may have been intended to destroy the vials many years ago.

The National Court of Honor conducts its deliberation not only to recognize deserving individuals but also to preserve the historical integrity of the awards.

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