What’s next for Gainesville’s Troop 16 when longtime champion scout leaves

Mike Barnes, who served as assistant scout master for six years, was selected to take Bruner’s place.

“I thought it was time to bring some offspring and we have a really capable successor available,” said Bruner. “… I cannot say enough about the First United Methodist Church’s support for the force. They have been very supportive of us and we have had a tremendous group of Assistant Scout Masters over the years. They are just great people. “

Bruner said he initially became deputy boy scout master with two other fathers after the troop leaders retired. One of his sons was a boy scout at the time.

“We have decided that we need to step up and take adult leadership,” he said. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into.”

Bruner plunged headlong into the program and said it wasn’t long before he saw its worth. For decades, he’s helped boys develop the skills they need to grow not only as characters but as citizens as well. He even watched his two sons David and Marshall earn their Eagle Scout titles.

“I thought, ‘I enjoy this, it’s a good program. I’ll just stick with it, ‘”says Bruner.

During his time as the Scout Master, Bruner said that many Scouts have made an impression on him, including Daniel Jaramillo, who will become an Eagle Scout on Sunday.

Bruner said he remembered when Jaramillo first came to the troop years ago. He said the boy scout was shy and showed little interest in getting involved. Slowly but surely, Bruner watched as Jaramillo grew in self-confidence and finally reached the highest rank in the force as a senior patrol leader.

“DR. Bruner, he is and remains a great man,” said Jaramillo. “When my father was with the boy scouts, he was my father’s boy scout master. Dr. Bruner has been there for the troops for a long time.”

While leading Troop 16, Bruner said he helped create a safe environment for its members. The program has strict rules that two adults must be present at all activities with Boy Scouts. Adults serving in the Force must also have a background check every year.

“Scouting took it one step further in ensuring the safety of Scout participants, and Troop 16 has not seen any abuse in 35 years,” said Bruner.

As the new Master Scout, Barnes said he was well aware of the big footsteps that need to be filled. Bruner had a taste of the new role and said that with all his years and experience, things look very simple.

However, Barnes said he was excited about the future of the troop and looked forward to seeing his eldest son become an Eagle Scout on Sunday.

“It takes a lot of time and dedication to do this after your kids get out and continue to be involved,” Barnes said of Bruner. “That says a lot about him and his commitment to Scouting in general, to the Church and to this program.”

The post What's next for Gainesville's Troop 16 when longtime champion scout leaves first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/whats-next-for-gainesvilles-troop-16-when-longtime-champion-scout-leaves/