Diocesan Scouts work toward medals, receive honors at annual Quest weekend

DODGE CITY – The annual Quest Weekend was held on the campus of Dodge City Community College Feb. 15-17. The theme was “Know, Live and Share Your Catholic Faith.” Participants included 13 Girl Scouts, 22 Boy Scouts and nine adults.

The scouts attending Quest 2008 used the weekend to work toward requirements for religious emblems and medals. Some youths begin work on the requirements on one Quest weekend, work on service projects and other requirements throughout the year, and complete the program the following year at Quest. The award programs cannot be completed in a weekend.

Guest speakers for this years’ Quest included Sister Gemma Doll, O.P., coordinator of Cultural Formation for the Diocese of Dodge City, who spoke on “Vocations – My Heart’s Compass,” and Hiking4Jesus, two friends from Knoxville, Tenn., who shared their faith through a blend of stories, songs, Biblical reflection and straightforward talk.

Janae Enriquez, of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish, received the Marian Medal. This program is designed to enable young women to “proclaim the greatness of the Lord.” It features active involvement in understanding Mary as a model of openness and spirituality – a woman in the Church.

Carly Champlin of Garden City, and Carrie Shinogle of Plains, received the Spirit of Life award. This program is designed to assist young women in senior high school discover how the Holy Spirit moves within and through their lives, calling them to greater participation in church ministry. Through the exploration of Scripture and the reading of church documents, combined with the development of a stronger prayer life, this program helps young Catholic women better understand their own mission as a disciple of Jesus.

Four young men were awarded the Ad Altare Dei emblem. This program is designed to help Boy Scouts in the 7th grade through high school to take their place in the world as maturing Catholics. The scout lives and applies the things he believes to his daily life and gains a deeper understanding to what it means to be a follower and disciple of Christ. The scout discovers that through the sacraments, he becomes a mature disciple of Christ.

Eight young men were awarded the St. Pius XII emblem. This program reflects the ideal of youth’s growing concern with the world of God as well as the human world. It recognizes the need for Catholic lay leadership in the church and community affairs and of scouting’s potential in developing such leadership. The program helps form young adults in Christ with a desire for serious commitments to action and gearing their role as Christians.

Two adults were recognized for their contributions to Catholic scouting.

Charla Wenzl of the Cathedral parish received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton award. This award recognizes the meritorious contributions of adults who serve youth through girls’ organizations. Wenzl has served as an adult leader of Girl Scouts for five years. She has encouraged her troop to earn not only their religious medals, but also the four Rosary patches and the Year of the Eucharist patch. She coordinates activities for Girl Scout Sunday in her parish. She is also active as a Eucharistic minister and an accompanist at liturgies for Sacred Heart Cathedral School and weekend Masses at the Cathedral.

Aaron Neidhart of the Cathedral parish received the Bronze Pelican award. This award is presented to an adult who has served the Scouting program at the local level and has demonstrated good example as a Christian and influenced boys to live a good Christian life. The pelican is a Christian symbol for someone who nurtures the young. Neidhart served as counselor to the Ad Altare Dei class for three years. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 162 in 2005 and earned both the Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII awards at Quest weekends. He returned to Quest to give back to scouting.