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Troop History
Troop 221 was founded in December 1933; sponsored by the men's class of the Vestal Methodist Church . It has operated under this sponsorship continuously ever since.
The program of the troop has emphasized boy leadership and outdoor skills throughout its history. Scout members are trained in the skills of planning programs, and leading others in the fulfillment of those programs, as well as counseling their peers, to develop leadership skills in preparation for their role as adult citizens. This development is accomplished through the outdoor training program, where his peers, learn the skills necessary to enjoy the outdoors as a camper sportsman. As he grows in the knowledge and skills of the program, he becomes a mentor and teacher for the younger boys.
The ultimate test of these outdoor and leadership skills is on the annual high adventure camping experiences, where the scouts develop teamwork on trips through such diverse environments as: the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, backpacking in the White Mountains, Canoeing the Algonquin Provincial Wilderness Preserve, hiking and canoeing in the Adirondack Wilderness Park, hiking in Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, sailing the keys at the Florida Scout Sea Base and participating in the National Jamboree.
The troop program also emphasizes personal and survival skills including swimming and lifesaving, which is taught through a troop sponsored annual water safety program open to all cubs and scouts in the town of Vestal . CPR and Red Cross First Aid courses are also taught.
Through the years, various members of the troop have received recognition from their churches for attaining prescribe goals in religious training; medal from the National Council for lifesaving, using skills taught by the troop; been appointed delegates to international jamborees; worked on the staff of the National Scout Ranch and the local scout camp and served as national officers and delegates to the National Order of the Arrow Conference, which is an organization of outstanding scout campers and leaders.
Four members of the troop became professional Scouters and many others continue to serve scouting as committee members, and various council positions.
The troop has awarded over 100 Eagle Scout badges since the first one was awarded in 1947.
The troop has been granted access to several private campsites over the years, including a 25 acre tract in Vestal, “Camp Ellis“, which was donate to the troop in memory of a member killed during World War II. This camp is used for teaching environmental conservation along with the basic camping skills.
The membership of the troop averages about 45 members, but has been as high as 84 members. An adult staff of 8-10 leaders and a committee of 15-20 interested parents support the activities of the unit.
To fund the activities of the troop, spaghetti suppers are held twice a year. The boys work the activities which fund the normal operation of the troop in addition to dues assessed from the members. In addition, when there is a High adventure trip which is more expensive than normal, individual scouts have at times cut and sold firewood, conducted car washes and sold popcorn to raise a portion of the funds to participate.
Boy Scout Troop 221 | 328 Main St. Vestal, NY 13850