What a weekend the Scouts, Leaders and our Arrow of Light had on the October Overnight. The weather was great, the food that was prepared was great.

The troop had a cake baking contest. The Patrols had to bake a two layer cake in a dutch oven.  

All the patrols did a great job.

The big item was that the troop replaced the old patrol tents 

and leaders tents with new ones. The new tents were great.

The patrols cooked all their own food. This is my favorite thing we do in scouting. Is cooking on an open fire. We cooked dinner and breakfast.

Our leaders also cook their meals on an open fire as well.

Our Troop also has a troop campfire every overnight and we the scouts are getting very good at putting on a great troop campfire.

Our scout troop also has a church service on overnights as well. Scouts are reverent. The 12 part of the Scout Law.

By Kent Bredehoeft, Eagle Scout – Troop 282 (1983)

Troop 282 Motto:“All for One and One for All.”

A True Milestone

When I think back to my days in Troop 282, I see a young teenager who simply loved being outdoors, camping with friends, and learning from remarkable leaders. I didn’t realize it then, but those experiences would become the foundation of my life.

As a teenager, earning the rank of Eagle Scout felt like reaching the top of a mountain. It required commitment, discipline, and perseverance—and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible adult leaders who guided and believed in us. They modeled what servant leadership looked like long before I knew the term.

Men like Mr. Morris, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Howell, Mr. Mueller, and Mr. Calm were giants in my eyes—steady hands, patient teachers, and role models of integrity.

One memory stands out most vividly. I had drifted away from the troop for a while as I got older, and it was Mr. Wagner who picked up the phone and called me. He simply said, “Kent, you’ve come too far not to finish.” That call changed my life. It gave me the push I needed to complete what I had started as a Cub Scout. It may have seemed like a small gesture to him at the time, but to me it was everything—a reminder of accountability, encouragement, and belief. Without that call, I might have been one of the many who say they “almost made Eagle.”

The Spirit of Mic-O-Say

The Tribe of Mic-O-Say was a powerful force in shaping who I became. The call nights, the long hikes, the moments of reflection around a quiet fire—all of it taught humility, service, and gratitude. Maybe that’s what drove me to finish my Eagle: I wanted to set an example for the younger scouts, to complete what I had started, and to live up to the values I’d been taught.

And of course, there was always the Blue Bus—with a giant band-aid painted on its side—that carried us everywhere. Sometimes we had to push it up hills, but it always got us there. Those campfire songs, the smell of bacon in the morning, and that deep peace sitting by glowing embers late at night remain some of my most treasured memories.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Years later, when I became a Scoutmaster, the meaning of Eagle deepened even more. For ten years, I had the privilege of mentoring more than 25 young men who earned their Eagle. Watching them grow reminded me why Scouting matters so much.

The Scout Oath and Law aren’t just words—they’re a lifelong guide to being a good person, a good citizen, and a good leader. The grounding power of the outdoors is as important today as ever. Technology can’t replace what’s learned from lighting a campfire, pitching a tent in the rain, or helping a fellow scout who’s struggling on the trail.

From Scout to CEO

My leadership journey started in Troop 282. As the Alligator Patrol Leader, I’ll admit I wasn’t the best—but it showed me I could lead, and that I had a lot to learn.

That spark grew through college, where I served as President of the Residence Halls Association and President of the Engineers’ Club, and eventually into my professional life.

Today, I serve as President and CEO of Argus Companies, a 100% employee-owned engineering and construction firm. The foundation of my leadership—discipline, teamwork, and integrity—was built in Scouting.

Giving Back and Paying It Forward

These are the kinds of debts that can never be repaid, only passed forward. That’s why I’m proud that both of my sons are also Eagle Scouts and Firebuilders in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Seeing them live out those same values brings everything full circle.

Becoming an Eagle Scout didn’t just shape my youth—it shaped my life. It taught me to serve, to persevere, to lead, and to believe that no matter how steep the hill, you keep pushing the bus until you reach the top.

Yours in Scouting,
Kent Bredehoeft, P.E.
Eagle Scout – Troop 282 (1983)

The Troop had a great day trip canoeing at scout camp. We met at 7:30 AM and the bus left at 7:45 AM. We were all very excited to get to go canoeing. We arrived at camp at 9:30 AM. We checked in and went straight to the lake. Our Scoutmaster passed out the PFDs which we put on. Then he checked to make sure they fit us correctly. Once this was done we headed down to the teaching area. Before we could get in our canoes. Our Sr. Patrol went over the rules to be followed at Lakefront and the rules for Safe Swim Defense. Then it was off to get in our canoes and on to the lake we went. 

We canoe for two hours and then we broke for lunch and then it was back to the lake and more canoeing.

We canoe for another two hours. Then it was time for a dip in the lake and to carry the canes back to the trailer.

We left the lake and made a stop at our favor store in Iconium Scott’s General Store for a few sacks and a cold soda pop or Peach Nehi Float.

Then it was time to get on the bus to head for home. 

Two of our leaders were a little tired from their day on the lake.

I am looking forward to doing this activity again. It was a great time.

As a scout I look forward every year to the Troops Court of Honor. I like to watch all the scouts being recognized for all their achievements over the past year. I like how our scouting family comes together Scouts, Parents and Leaders. We are all 

together for the evening.

I like how the evening is somewhat formal.

I like how the scout gets recognized by being called up front one at a time. This way everyone’s eyes are focused on the scout.

I like the food and we eat with a family buffet. The Troop provides the meat, usually BQ from Zarad’s. The families bring side dishes. Lots of great food. Especially the desserts.

We also are introduced to our youth leadership for 2025-2026 scouting year. The following photo shows our Sr. Patrol Leader and Asst. Sr. Patrol Leader for the next year. I am looking forward to seeing their leadership skills put into action.

It was just a great evening. I would like to thank all the scouts, leaders and parents for coming to our Troop’s Court of Honor. I would like to give a big thank you to all our troop leaders for all the time they gave to the scout troop this past year. I would also like to say that the side show showing all the events the troop had done in the 2024-2025 scouting year made my night.

Yes this summer camp – 5th Session was hot and fun as our troop took 18 Scouts 17 Boys, 1 Girl and 15 leaders to the H.Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for ten (10) days of great fun.

We earned a total of 72 merit badges while at camp. We had three(3) great first years campers this year Owen, Jaspher and Titus. 

In these photos they are working on their Baskerty Merit Badge.

Mr. Howell likes to see us keep our tents clean so he has a Summer Camp Clean Tent Award.

Mr. Howell treated us to ice cream for winning the clean tent award

We had a day at the Dining Hall where we got to build armour for James for the Jousting contest. The scouts really liked the Jousting.

We had a campfire in our campsite where some of our scouts were awarded their Religious and Den Chief Coups.

The Camp had a Belley Flop contest for the leaders and we had the Garbage Man as our entry. 

Our troop got to take down the three flags on the parade field.

Our scouts looked the sharps performing this honor.

Scout camp was a great time and yes I was ready to come home. But I am looking forward to going to summer camp in 2026

What a great overnight even though it has turned cold for our scout troop’s  weekend at Rotary Camp. We started the overnight by doing a service project for the camp. We cleaned out the ashes from the main fire pit, and filled up the firewood. 

We also cleaned up the rest rooms for the camp and dining hall. The service project was great as the scouts all worked together and listened to the Sr. Patrol Leaders.

We then got our personnel gear off our Troop Bus and moved it to the cabins we were assigned. We put up the American flag. Then we ate lunch and then we got to go fishing. The fishing was fun even if there was only one fish caught by Mr. Dudley. 

Now it was time to play Gaga Ball which is a favorite game of all the scouts. We played for a few hours. So our new scouts went on a nature hike and others worked on the Citizenship in the Society Merit Badge. We took down the American flag.

Then it was time for supper. Supper was great as we had homemade chicken noodle soup, homemade vegetable soup, bread and crackers.

Then it was back to the Gaga Pit where we played till it was dark.

Then we had a great campfire where each patrol had a skit, song, cheer and a joke.  We had a troop cracker barrel. Where we had four (4) cobblers, apple, cherry,black forest and a cinnamon apple. The cobblers were great. Then it was time for bed.

When we got up on Sunday morning we prepared our personnel gear to move it to one of the leader’s trucks. We put up the American flag. We played a game to see how many people we could get on a 1-inch square piece of wood in the air 18-inches. We had two (2) groups get six(6) people on the wood and hold them there for 45 seconds.

That time seemed like it was forever. Then it was time for breakfast where we had mountain man breakfast: sausage, hash browns, eggs and cheese(cooked in five(5) dutch ovens).

It was great. Then it was back to the Gaga Pit till it was time for church. At church we had an opening prayer, a song, a reading, a sermon, a responsive reading, a song and a closing prayer. I really like our troop church services. Then it was time to move our gear to one of our leaders’ trucks. A little more gaga ball and one last sweep of the camp to pick up trash and it was time to get on the Troop Bus to head back to the church for our parents to pick us up.

I can not wait till next month’s overnight. I also hope we get to come back to Rotary Camp in 2026.

The Troop met at the church on Saturday morning and loaded our troop bus and off we went to Watkins Mills. This was going to be a new experience for the troop because none of us have been to Watkins Mill to camp. I am looking forward to going to Watkins Mill and to going fishing. The trip was not very long. Once at the campsite we set up camp.

Then it was off to the lake to go fishing. The weather was great.

We had a couple of scouts who thought it may be fun to get close to the worms we were using for bait.

When we returned to the campsite it was time for dinner spaghetti, meat sauce, meatballs and caesar salad

After dinner the patrols practiced their campfire skits, songs and jokes. Then it was time for our troop campfire.

We had a great campfire. All the patrols did a great job.

After the campfire we were treated to cobblers baked in dutch ovens.

Then it was time for bed. We were all ready to go to bed as we were going to lose one hour of sleep due to springing forward for daylight savings time.

It was a very chilly night. But I believe all the scouts and leaders sleep very well. I am looking forward to breakfast biscuits and gravy. While breakfast was being prepared we started breaking camp.

It’s a lot more fun setting up camp. It’s time to eat breakfast.

After breakfast we finished packing up our tents and troop equipment into our troop trailer. Then it was time for church. Our troop has a church service every overnight. Then it was time to head for home.

I can not wait till our next overnight in April.

Troop 282 held their 76th Annual ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKE DAY(sausage, milk, orange drink and coffee) on Tuesday March 4, 2025 at Trinity Episcopal Church at 409 N. Liberty St. Independence, Mo. from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Everyone asks why does the Troop have Pancake Day on a Tuesday. It has to do with Lent. It’s always on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) before Ash Wednesday. This is why the date moves around each year.

This fundraiser could not be done without the support from our scouts, leaders and parents.

For some of our leaders Pancake Day starts bright and early at 3:00 AM as they must get to the church to start cooking sausage to allow

doors to open and  start serving customers at 6:00 AM.

This fundraiser helps our scout go to summer camp at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation.

We thank everyone who came and helped set-up, who worked, who helped clean up. We especially thank those who purchased tickets.

We will see everyone at our 77th Annual ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKE DAY on Tuesday February 17, 2026. Mark your calendar.

Well let me say as a first time hiker to Cedar Bluff I really didn’t know what to expect as I packed my backpack. I was thinking how it would feel to carry this backpack on my back for a five(5) mile hike there and back. What’s it going to be like to sleep outside in the open (no tent)? What was this dehydrated food going to taste? Was it going to be cold? I did know one thing: I was going to make the best of it and complete the hike.

Saturday morning came and I headed to the church to catch the troop bus to make a hike to cedar Bluff. I am excited but yet a little worried. When I arrived at the bus the scouts were telling me to put my backpack on the bus and then go inside. The older scouts were at the bus loading everyone’s backpacks. Once everyone was here the Asst. Sr. Patrol Leader lined us up and headed to the bus. The bus ride I think lasted for around 2 hours and now we are at scout camp.

Now at scout camp we head to the spot to start our hike. There was 4 to 6 inches of snow on the ground. Several of the scouts were talking about getting a white coup for this overnight because of the snow. I guess that is good. We lined up and off we went to Cedar Bluff.

As we hiked in the woods it was nice as there was no wind and it was very common. As I hiked up front it was very interesting to see that we were the first people to walk on this snow. It seemed very pure and clean.

Once we reached the Bluff I would have to say the hike was worth it. It was a very beautiful place and I can see why all the scouts think this was great overnight.

Let me say when we prepared our dehydrated meals the leaders got the scouts together to show those scouts who had never used a backpacking stove how to light the stove. Then we heated the water for our bags of food.

I must say the meal I had was very good.

While we ate dinner we had a short church service that was nice as we looked out over the water. We talked about being reverent to God in Nature.

I was not sure how sleeping was going to be. But let me tell you when I got in my sleeping bag and got warmed up I was out and I didn’t wake up until the leadership got us up.

Then it was time to get are stuff packed up to make the hike back to our troop bus.

We took a different way back on part of the hike that what we took over.

Once back we loaded the bus and headed to McDonald’s in Clinton to grab lunch before going home. We were all very excited about this stop.

Then we were on our way home. Now would I do this again. I would have to say yes I would. Yes the hike was challenging but when I go again next year I will be a year older and I will have more experience in camping and hike.

Overall this was a very fun overnight.

What an event! This was my very first Klondike Derby and boy did I have a good time. I also learned a lot. Starting with dressing a little warmer, to learn those knots and lashings that are in the scout handbook. I really didn’t understand that we would have a wooden sled and the scouts would be pulling it from event to event. Our sled had all the items we would need to do at each event. I was asked which event I liked the most in the car on the way home. Well that’s easy I liked them all. I hope that everyone in my patrol was happy with me as I was learning as I went along. 

I really appreciated the leader who came and passed out hand warmers and toe warmers. These items made the day a little more comfortable. The cold wasn’t too bad when we were moving and doing the event. Waiting to do an event is when it was cold.  

I am looking forward to going again next year. I am hoping the weather is a little warmer.