Whiz Kid: Joey Robert Shows That He’s Got Aim

While many of us were battening down the hatches of our homes or buying emergency supplies to weather through Hurricane Irene, Joseph Roberts, III of Bethlehem was off to Kempton, PA to show off his marksmanship skills.

“The forecast called for the bad weather to hit much later so Joey’s troop changed the hours they were going to go,” said his father, Joseph Robert, Jr., “Joey went for the experience and to participate in the Scout Challenge.”

Joey and five other members of Boy Scout Troop 146, accompanied by their leaders Patt Yemm and Mike Pennella, competed against other Lehigh Valley scouts in the Scout Challenge at the . 

“Attendance Friday afternoon far exceeded last year’s and Saturday by noon almost equaled last year’s total Saturday attendance” said Bob Danehower, Co-Show Director for the LVHFE, “At about 1 p.m. a major gust of wind and torrential rain hit for about 10 minutes and from there on the cars at the gate dwindled.”

Joey, 12, decided he wasn’t going to let a bit of rain ruin his chance to participate. He was rewarded with a first place finish.

“One of my favorite things to do after the show is to call all the kids that won prizes,” said Danehower, “And hear comments from their parents over the hooting and hollering in the background.”

Joey’s father attributes his excellent marksmanship talents to his experience in Boy Scouting and to the experience he gained from attending Camp Minsi this past summer where he earned the Rifle Merit Badge. In developing his marksmanships skills through constant practice at camp, Joey earned the Dime Award.

“He spent a lot of time on the range to earn his merit badge,” said his father. “For the Dime Award, you shoot five bullets on the target and if you can put a dime on them then you get the award.” 

Joey’s father was an Eagle Scout and has tried to encourage his participation in scouting but, for Joey the “big motivation” is the activities, camping and friends. A Tender Foot Scout now, Joey is a patrol leader and aspires to follow in the footsteps of his father.

Through scouting he has also contributed to the community as a volunteer replacing flags on veteran’s graves at local cemeteries and helping at the Little Lehigh Fish Hatchery.

Joey is 6th grade honor roll student at Salisbury Middle School where he participates in the band. 

When asked his key to awesomeness, Joey said: “My goal was to have fun and try my best.”