104 years ago the “Unknown Scout” lent a helping hand to William Boyce on a street in London, leading to the formation of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. Troop 9 (Unit 59), applied for its first charter in 1954 and has been existence since October 5, 1954.
During that time, much has changed in the world around us, but the Boy Scouts of America has remained steadfast in its mission, which is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Currently, with more than two million youth participants, approximately 800,000 adult volunteers and over hundred thousand units, the Boy Scouts of America remains one of the most vibrant, influential youth organizations in the United States.
Closer to home, this scouter is happy to report that Troop 9 is thriving, with some highly motivated scouts, a dedicated group of adults leaders and a supportive committee. Mindful of our heritage, many of the Troop 9 traditions continue today, while some new ones have been added. Troop 9 currently has over 150 Eagle Scouts! There are more on the way.
Some history on Troop 9:
Troop 9 originally was associated with Washington Homeschool Association charter program. Later it became associated with Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell. The 50s, 60s, and 70s saw the largest number of participants in scouting in general. We had Troops at Washington school, Jefferson School, and Wilson school. We also had Troops at St. Aloysius, Presbyterian school, and the Methodist Church on Bloomfield Ave. Later these Troops merged to become part of Troop 9 and others merged with other local Troops.
Troop 9’s Fundraisers include the famous Christmas Tree Lot. on the corner of Beverly and Central in West Caldwell where we typically sell Christmas Trees, Wreaths, and grave covers from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until about mid December when the tress run out. Thank you to our Moms, Sisters, Aunts and friends who decorate the wreaths, a tradition that has been going on since 1972. Other fundraisers include Mother's Day Flower sales and July 4 concessions stand.
The Troop continues to offer a robust program, with something for everyone, but still places a heavy emphasis on the outdoor program, which includes everything from canoe camping, winter camping, hiking & backpacking, and of course, a week at summer camp each year.
Participation in the BSA national high adventure programs remains a hallmark of Troop 9. There is long history of alternating between Philmont, which began in the 70s, Northern Tier, which began in the 80s, Sea Base, which also began in the 80's and the National Jamboree. Our scouts always have something new and unique to look forward to.
As we look to the future and work toward the continued success of the BSA and our Troop, I would like to acknowledge and thank all those men and women who worked tirelessly on this program, helping not only to create our almost “70 years” of history, but for passing on the program our current scouts and volunteers inherited; what a gift!
To quote our current Scout Webmaster, "Scouting is great. It helps to teach important life lessons such as patience. It also helps you to learn important life skills such as survival skills. Some things that I really like about the Troop is working Tree lot. I also love going on ski trips in the winter. There was a big adventure trip that I went on with the troop and it was fun because of how adventurous it was. It is called Philmont."
