CHERAW – The compassion to help boys become future leaders of America dwells in the heart of one Cheraw resident and business owner, Paul Godwin. Godwin is in the process of organizing and re-chartering Cheraw Boy Scout Troop 685, which will serve young men primarily from the Dizzy Gillespie community.

“Last year, Troop No. 685 lost its charter due to a lack of leadership. A charter organization can be formed with only its committee members, but there must be at least five people. It does not have to be through a specific church or organization,” he added. “The whole idea is that community support is necessary. We need sponsorships in Chesterfield County and community support to get the Troop re-chartered.”

Godwin spoke about the number of merit badges a boy scout can earn.

“There is over 350 merit badges the Scouts can earn to become an Eagle Scout. Currently, we have about 14 to 15 scouts. We desperately need five additional adults, other than myself, to become committee members and volunteers. Then we can re-charter Cheraw Boy Scout Troop 685,” Godwin said. “Would it not make us all proud if Cheraw had a large Boy Scout Troop serving disadvantaged youths? After all, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”

Cheraw Troop No. 685 has been on various trips in the past. They visited USS Yorktown, have gone deep-sea fishing numerous times, have learned how to swim, have ranked at least second class, and also visited the Boy Scout camp at Camp Coker near Society Hill, among other educational and fun activities. We are proud of our Scouts.

“One of our Scouts in Troop 685, Darius Little, a senior at Cheraw High School, has won awards in Archery and Rifle Competition.”

Godwin believes that through the Boy Scouts, boys are taught how to have good morals, honesty, survivorship skills and to respect others, among other life lessons.

“Why wait until these fine young men grow up and get into trouble,” Godwin said.

Not all of them will fall into that trap. However, Godwin fears that youth who do not have something to look forward to will have low self-esteem and are at risk and may end up going to prison.

“This is why re-chartering this particular Boy Scout Troop 685 is so important. We need to start while they are in their pre-teen and teen years to help mentor and provide them good opportunities to learn and prepare them for the future,” said Godwin.