The Icon intended to write a column about Dan Groman, who is stepping down as the Bluffton Scoutmaster. Today we received this letter from a Scout family. It states much better what we had planned to say.

Our son, Taylor Jay, started in the Scouting World in the 7th grade. We thought, "Great, he will receive a few badges, go to camp and have fun."

Yes, this did happen, but there was so much more. Scoutmaster Dan Groman was no ordinary Scoutmaster; his passion for each and every boy was felt by all and was seen through his actions.

Dan gave a special gift - his time. Time is something one cannot put money on. Even though he was extremely busy with his work and his own family, he was always there for the boys in the scout troop. He gave of himself and his passion for scouting.

He would tell the boys "groaners" during their meetings, little things to make the boys think. Taylor would sometimes spend days trying to figure them out. These little lessons will more than likely be with Taylor the rest of his life.

When something would come up, we would hear Taylor say, "Dan said this..." or (Assistant Scoutmaster) "Gary (Wetherill) said that..." Dan stepped down as Scoutmaster recently after 10 years. Gary has been Assistant Scoutmaster for more than 20 years and continues in that capacity.

During the summer, the troop usually meets at Gary's house. We have been looking for the perfect gift. Taylor learned that a material thing purchased with money cannot express what you feel in your heart or replace the knowledge one has learned from someone.

Thank you Dan and Gary for being examples of scouts being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

These qualities are not just words in the Scout Law you recite at meetings, they are qualities you live by and can be witnessed by others, especially the boy scouts in your troop.

We would like to express our gratitude to Scout Master Emeritus Dan Groman, new Scout Master Mike Metzger, Assistants Gary Wetherill, Darrel Groman, Eric Reneker, Clair and Victoria Zeits, and Jeff Burkholder for sharing your time and talents.

Because of your dedication, Taylor entered Scouts as an observer and became a leader. His Eagle Scout rank, which he just received, is evidence of this dedication and his hard work. Thank you.
Eagle Scout Taylor Steele
Steve and Tracy Steele, Bluffton