Aloha Council Scout Executive visits American Samoa District

Above: Scouts from Troop 296, LDS Malaeimi Ward, welcome Aloha Council Scout Executive Jeff Woolsey to American Samoa with the traditional ‘ava ceremony

Scout Executive Jeff Woolsey, accompanied by PBS Director John Mills, visited American Samoa to help kick off a year-long celebration leading up to Scouting’s 100 anniversary.

Among the many highlights of the trip was the Scout Fiafia, or celebration, held at the beach in front of the American Samoa Governor’s office building. Approximately 250 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts attended the event which included a Camporee, Pinewood Derby, and Patrol and Troop competitions of fire by friction (pictured above), coconut husking, basket weaving and tug of war. The competition was fierce as the winners of coconut husking and fire by friction won their events in under one minute.

During the visit six young men were awarded their Eagle Scout ranks. Fomai Amituanai (Troop 357), Peniamina Lesa and Christopher Samia (Troop 355), Taupati Mamea (Troop 191), Eugene Brown (Troop 346) and Mau Malaki Te’o (Troop 295) each were presented their Eagle Award by Jeff Woolsey, Executive Staff member Fiamatai Faitau and their parents.

The visit culminated with a District Recognition Dinner where three Scout leaders received the District Award of Merit and Aki Dameworth, District Training Chair, received her Wood Badge beads.