A local Boy Scout attending the National Jamboree shook President George W. Bush’s hand creating a memory of a lifetime.
Dustin Haury, 13, of Boy Scout Troop 192 out of Davisburg, said he was one of two boys selected from his subcamp to sit in the front row and meet President Bush before he addressed the Jamboree.
‘It was like talking to a regular person. We talked about random things like the sports I play. He liked some of the patches I had. I didn’t say much because I was worried about what I said because he’s the president. Shaking his hand and talking to him was great,? said Haury.
‘I think it’s a great honor for him, there’s only 43 presidents. It’s an honor for a young man. I’m not very political, but it’s a great honor,? said Dustin’s father Tom.
John Radke, First Assistant Scout Master for Jamboree Troop 1126, said the President spoke of his fantastic appreciation for the scouts and told the kids ‘if they hold onto their dreams and goals, they can achieve anything.?
Along with Bush’s visit, the Jamboree gained nationwide attention for its heat-related problems and tragedy. However, scouts from the Oakland County area experienced few problems according to Haury.
‘We had to drink plenty of water. Sometimes they put flags up letting you know what to do, whether you could move or not when it was real hot,? said Haury.
Radke, also a member of the District Committee for the Pontiac-Manito District which covers Clarkston, Pontiac, Waterford and other surrounding areas, concurred.
‘Some scouts from other temperate zones may have not been familiar with the temperatures and heat index, but we had no difficulties. All scouts with us were required to carry large quantities of water from which they had to constantly drink,? he said.
Tom Haury discussed the feelings he experienced when hearing the news reports while Dustin was at the Jamboree.
‘It was scary because you don’t know what’s really going on. With any breaking news there’s confusion? once we knew he wasn’t near the incident, the concern went away fast. The heat was a concern, but we looked at no news being good news,? said Tom Haury.
‘The five troops from Clinton Valley Council were well prepared in advance and trained in emergency preparedness,? said Radke.
Besides surviving the heat and meeting the president, Dustin Haury said he liked the large area dedicated to the various branches of the Armed Forces. The display featured many tanks, helicopters and other equipment. He also enjoyed the 30-foot high repelling tower set up by the Army.
The National Scout Jamboree was located at Fort A.P. Hill, a 76,000 acre U.S. Army facility located in Virginia, which served as the location for the Jamboree since 1981.
According to the Boy Scout National Jamboree Web site, the program features reflected the skills of Scouting, physical fitness, environmental conservation and Scouting spirit.
Daily activities included archery, bikathalon, buckskin games, confidence course, conservation programs, scuba diving, kayak fun and other activities.