Did you know? June 17, 1989
A Scout in Action
While taking part in the program for the Father and Son Camp on Saturday, June 17, 1989, participants headed to the river for a swim. Upon arriving at the river bank and whilst instructions were being given two Cub Scouts jumped into the fast moving-water without any warning.
Immediately two Venture Scouts made an attempt to reach the boys who were being carried away by the strong current. One was immediately pulled out of the river, and the other quickly drifted into the deep.
An attempt to rescue the boy by two Venture Scouts failed due to the strong mowing water. Realizing the boy was tiring whilst making every effort to keep afloat, Venture Scout Leader Nephtali Palma quickly jumped into the river to rescue the boy, He fought the strong river current and reached the boy and kept him afloat until two local young men from the village swam to rescue the boy and took him to safety.
Despite the danger of drowning in the strong-moving water, Nephtali Palma heroically gave assistance in saving a boy’s life.
Nephtali Palma is the Venture Scout Leader for the 1st Holy Redeemer Scout Group. For his courage in saving a life, he was awarded the Silver Cross Award for Gallantry.