By MG Alison Edwards
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| MG Hank Keegan |
Montgomery County Master Gardeners were instrumental in providing educational support to local Scouting programs in May 2025. MG Hank Keegan, who has been involved in Scouting for many years as Cub Master, Scout Master, and Merit Badge Counselor for Gardening and Plant Science, took on a leading role in two events, one for a Cub Scout den and one for Boy Scouts.
Cub Scout Event
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| Photo: Anna-Maria Travis |
In early May, a group of six Kindergarten-aged Cub Scouts, each accompanied by a parent, visited the Derwood Demonstration Garden as part of their scouting activities. Hank engaged the young scouts in learning about where food comes from, how plants grow, and the basics of gardening. The scouts toured the garden and historic barn, and they also planted seeds in self-watering flower pots they had previously crafted. The visit fulfilled multiple Cub Scout educational requirements, including visiting a garden, learning about different gardening methods, discussing the basic skills needed for gardening, and planting some seeds. MCMG received an effusive note of thanks from the Cub Master for Hank’s assistance in providing the kids a memorable experience.
Boy Scout Event
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| MCMG Coordinator Steve Dubik speaks to Scouts Photo: MG Hank Keegan |
On May 17, a Boy Scout event was held at Derwood as part of the Gardening Merit Badge program under the legacy Grow It Eat It program. Eight scouts participated in a comprehensive day of learning, covering topics such as water gardening, beekeeping, nutrition, gardening safety, and composting. Hank led the event, with support from MG Maxine Glazer, who led the composting discussion, and MG Dave Ottalini, who talked about pollinators and distributed wildflower seeds. The group also heard from Montgomery College Professor Raymond Bosmans, who led the water gardening discussion. The scouts toured the Demonstration Garden and visited the UMD Extension Office, where they met MCMG Coordinator Steve Dubik.
Thanks to Hank and all of the folks involved in these events for expanding the scouts’ understanding of sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship.
