Bay Scout troop celebrates 50 years
The Boy Scouts of Troop 41 put up the number 50 with their hands in celebration of the milestone. Photo by Nancy Meermans
Boy Scout Troop 41 is celebrating 50 years of scouting as a chartered organization of Bethesda on the Bay Lutheran Church in Bay Village. Our 50th anniversary reunion picnic took place on Aug. 9 at the pavilion in Huntington Reservation. Current Scoutmaster Randy Risch welcomed nearly 150 scouts, alumni and family members to the celebration, including 10 out of 17 scoutmasters and more than 30 of the troop’s 141 Eagle Scouts. Activities included historical displays of Troop 41 memorabilia, video slideshows, a mock campsite and a monkey rope bridge assembled by the scouts.
Dwight Clark, former Troop 41 committee member and current Bay Village city councilman, served as the event’s master of ceremonies. Mr. Clark informed the guests that although the troop is only 50 years old, it has produced more Eagle Scouts than any other troop in the Greater Cleveland Council.
He then introduced alumni speakers including Rick Kuper, the first Troop 41 Eagle Scout and later scoutmaster from 2004-2007; Ken Dechert, the troop’s third Eagle Scout; Richard Gash, scoutmaster from 1992-1999; Erik Helgesen, scoutmaster from 1999-2002; and Tim Lee, scoutmaster from 2007-2010. The alumni shared memories of high adventure trips, National Jamborees, weekend campouts and troop service projects that continue to benefit local schools, churches and parks.
The celebration concluded with a Court of Honor Ceremony. Nico DiGiulio and Nate Hofford, who were wearing vintage Troop 41 uniforms from the 1960s, assisted me in presenting the awards. Thirty scouts were recognized for earning 61 merit badges and 15 rank advancements. Nathan Cullinan was also acknowledged for earning his Bronze Eagle Palm.
Eagle Scout Alex Davis then administered the Eagle Scout Oath to two of Troop 41’s newest Eagle Scouts, Dillon Forsythe and Carter Salis. Rct. Brogan MacMillan, who is currently training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, was also recognized for achieving the Eagle rank.
Troop 41 would like to thank everyone who attended the event or donated to their scouting program. Anniversary T-shirts, yard signs and programs are still available. Email baytroop41@gmail.com for details.