From WWII Service to Generations of Scouts: A Century of Dedication to Character Development and Community in Prescott, Arizona
Prescott Arizona’s Troop 7007 is joining Charter Organization Representative (COR) Robert “Bob” Pratt’s family in celebrating his milestone 100th Birthday. He has a lifelong history of involvement in the Boy Scout organization. Bob Pratt began his Scouting journey at the age of 12 in 1935 and continued Scouting until he reached the age of 18. After spending time in college, World War II service in the European theatre, and marriage in 1949, he reconnected with Scouting through his two sons as they entered Cubs and Boy Scouts.
Bob was the Cub Master for his younger son’s Den. It was one of the largest Cub packs in the local council in New Jersey. There were 105 boys involved at one point. He remembers the boys marching in the local Memorial Day parade. There were some boys who chose to march with their Little League teams rather than Scouts. Bob remembers instructing them to wear their Scout uniforms if they marched with the Scouts but their baseball uniforms if they were marching with Little League. He also served as a Troop treasurer when his sons were active.
After retiring, Bob and his wife moved from New Jersey to Prescott, Arizona and joined Prescott United Methodist Church. He filled the position of Charter Organization Representative (COR) for Troop 7007 in 1990 with the intention of serving both his church and the community. After serving 30 years in the role of COR for PUMC, the American Legion, Post 6 became the Troop’s new Chartered Organization. However, Bob remains a leader within Troop 7007 filling the role of Committee Member and PUMC Liaison. Since the inception of his service, which spans over 30 years, Bob attends nearly every meeting of Troop 7007. He actively participates in Boards of Review for rank advancement. He refers questions to the church ministers when necessary and contributes news notes from the Troop to the church newsletters. He encourages church members to support the Troop’s Hot Dog Booth at the annual 4th of July Parade.
Bob’s commitment to Scouting is rooted in his desire to impact the character development of future generations. He sees Scouting as a vehicle to supplement the values that the youth’s parents are developing. He is proud that both his sons were Scouts. His three grandsons participated in Scouting and, two of them achieved the rank of Eagle. He’s happy to continue his role within the Troop as long as he is able. He wants to continue to impact the youth of the future.
