By 8:30 Saturday morning, the playground of Washington-Monroe school looked much as it would on any regular school day, as a large number of area youth gathered together to start the third annual ScoutSweep Day in Lincoln. Before they assembled, the kids took time to play and run and work off some early morning energy.

Pictures by Nila Smith

At 9 a.m., pack leader Jason Schafer brought the group together and talked to them about the day. He told them about the Good Turn for America program, which is a cooperative founded by the Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, Salvation Army and the Girl Scouts.

As the kids listen to their leader, they learned that gas for the vans was provided by Beck's, and Eaton Corp. donated 30 pairs of puncture-proof safety gloves and the trash bags the kids would use.

Schafer told the kids that the day cost the Scouts absolutely nothing. Mel-O-Cream donated doughnuts for the morning. Lunch was provided by Subway, Little Ceasars, Bonanza and McDonald's. Water and soda were provided by Kroger, and ice was donated by Qik-n-EZ.

They also were told that every kid who participated would receive a badge, compliments of Brian T. Miller, director of the Crossroads District of the W.D. Boyce Council of the Boy Scouts of America. After all the announcements, the troops paid honor to the flag with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pack leader Chad Bennett then spoke to the kids about having a fun and safe day. Rules were to let adults pick up glass, use the buddy system so no one is left alone, and listen to and obey the grown-ups walking with you. The groups then dispersed, each going a different direction in the city.

After cleaning up the green space at the Logan County Safety Complex, this group waits for traffic to clear before heading downtown to work on the courthouse lawn.

At Latham Park, trash is being collected in the playground area.

This group cleaned up around City Hall, then moved on to sweep in front of businesses on the downtown square.

Back to top