A  HISTORY OF BOY SCOUT TROOP 618

In 1961 some men in the Greggton Methodist Church recognized a need for young people

in west Longview to have additional opportunities for positive growth experiences.  An

application for a charter to organize and operate a boy scout troop was submitted to the area BSA Council.  The charter was approved late that year and Troop 618 was formed and became active in 1962.  It has been continuously active since that time and meets regularly most Monday evenings at the Greggton United Methodist Church.

Many changes have occurred since 1962 but the troop program continues to be based on the aims of scouting to 1) help develop good character, 2) foster citizenship, and 3) develop fitness.  Experiences for increasing self-reliance and acquiring positive leadership skills are also encouraged.  The intervening years has seen new editions of  the Boy Scout Handbook, and changes in merit badges, equipment, and uniforms.  An official scout uniform may become “dated” but it is never out of date.  Tentage, packs, hiking boots, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and stoves are also very different from the “early days”.  Tents were usually of canvas. A variety tents; miner, “pup” and wall were used at campouts and camporees.  Until more recently most cooking by troop or patrol was done on campfires and on occasion with Coleman-type stoves. The newer, light-weight canister fuel burners are now used by leaders and supervised older scouts when convenient and/or necessary.  Blanket bedrolls were prevalent before light-weight, cold weather sleeping bags were developed. Many campout necessities were brought from home.  Some moms began to miss pots, pans and flatware out of her kitchen. 

Troop equipment has been amassed over time—a long time. Dads and scouts made chuck-boxes, donated tools and either made or acquired other items for the outdoor program.  Almost from the time the troop was formed various activities; including work projects, pancake breakfasts and chili or spaghetti suppers, product sales and donations have raised funds for equipment and materials. Equipment maintenance and replacement is on-going. For many years equipment was kept in different areas of the church building and in a maintenance shed.  In the mid-1990s a scout’s grandfather donated money for the purchase of an enclosed trailer.  As the troop grew an additional enclosed trailer was acquired and both vehicles store and carry equipment and supplies. Recent, September 2009, equipment purchases include six additional serviceable canoes. For several years the troop’s trailers and other paraphernalia has been stored on the property of a long-time scouting family.  The trailers are pulled by the private vehicles of adult volunteers.

The size of the troop fluctuates but it is much larger than it was years ago.  During the first several years there were 20-25 scouts and 6-8 adult volunteers in the troop.  However for a few years during the seventies less than a dozen boys were active.  By 1980 the troop was growing again and enrollment increased to 25-30 scouts and 8-10 adults.  Growth has been relatively constant and there are, in October, 2009, about 60 registered scouts and 20 adult volunteers. There is, and has been, much positive leadership provided by these involved and caring citizens. The scoutmasters and assistants, the committee chairs and members have spent countless hours, much energy and some personal monies to maintain 618 as a dynamic youth development entity. Many of these dedicated leaders came to the troop when their son(s) joined scouting but continued after their son(s) left the troop.

Troop activities have kept pace with changes in the community and society in general.  Several of the campsites used for many years are now occupied by shopping areas and housing developments. In the early days many campout sites were within hiking distance.  The troop or patrols would camp on public and private property.  Patrols did backyard camping.  Private vehicles usually carried campers to Camp Pirtle, Lake of the Pines or other locations.  In the 1980s the “Blue Goose” a vintage school/church/troop bus carried the troop to destinations near and far.  A gift from the church, it was often used and often repaired.  During the Goose’s tenure with the troop the scoutmaster was diligent about having an auto mechanic’s son as a troop member. Troop transport still includes private vehicles but the scouts often ride in church vans from GUMC and St Andrew Presbyterian. Commercial busses and occasional air travel are also used.

The outdoor program has always been emphasized but now offers opportunities for more boys to experience interesting and exciting venues appropriate to their age and capabilities. There are regular monthly campouts and participation in district and council

camporees and jamborees, summer and winter camps, and other scouting, civic or church related events. Some men, who as scouts, participated in the National Jamborees in Idaho in 1969 or 1973 share similar scouting experiences with others who have attended  “Jambos” in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Troop scouts and adult scouters have been, and currently are, leaders in scout-related affairs outside the troop.  The youth serve as leader/trainers in district, council, and regional events and as arrowmen some are elected to leadership positions in the Order of the Arrow.  Adults, male and female, serve as trainers, committee/board members, advisors, and are usually “on-call” to meet requests for assistance by district and council

scout executives.

When the World Jamboree was cancelled in 1979 because of an international situation Troop 618 hosted a contingent of English scouts.  Some 618 scouts went to England in 1983, saw sites of scouting historic beginnings and renewed some friendships made four years earlier. Scouting is a continuum, a family activity, and the experiences offer fellowship to persons of all ages.  For several years during the 1980 decade a single mother who had two sons in the troop was a dynamic and tireless volunteer.  She was on the troop committee and helped with all aspects of the program.  She went on campouts and excursions and not only did she share the scouting experience with her sons but was also an effective adult leader in scouting and community actions.  The variety of activities that boys and leaders have had from 1962 until now seems almost infinite.  Deep-sea fishing, mountain climbing, spelunking, alpine hiking, white-water and lake canoeing and “high adventure” camping are some of the many  618 scouting experiences.

Scouting is boy-led and boy leaders are elected.  They are guided and advised by the scoutmaster and his assistants.  A monthly planning meeting of the Patrol Leaders Council identifies program activities.  The council consists of the SPL, ASPL(s), patrol leaders and others performing leadership roles. The senior patrol leader conducts the meeting under the guidance of an adult advisor. These meetings provide boys with planning and management experiences in an orderly and controlled meeting.  It can be a positive democratic leadership experiences

Troop enrollment, youth and adult, has always reflected a cross-section of the community. Ten men have served as scoutmasters from 1962 until October, 2009.  Three of the scoutmasters were enrolled as scouts in 618.  Each is still an active scout volunteer.

There have been 92 Eagles Scout ranks awarded in Troop 618 since the troop was formed in 1962. That adds up to many hours of merit badge study and work, many  “Good Turns” and good deeds and good times.  These boys, most are now men and some are grandfathers, invested much time, energy, and spirit in achieving the eagle badge.  The number troop members who have reached this pinnacle of the scouting trail can serve as a testament to the success of the program initiated in 1961.