By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – February 2016 will mark the 100th anniversary of Shrewsbury Boy Scout Troop 114. The troop, which has been chartered by the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury (FCC) since 1916, is one of the oldest troops in Mohegan Council as well as one of the oldest troops within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
Troop 114, which is comprised of 78 Scouts who range in age from 10 to 17, is led by Scoutmaster Rick Spurr as well as 28 registered adult leaders. All work to build character and train the Scouts in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and developing personal fitness.
“Our goal is simple,” said Spurr. “We intend to continue to deliver the benefits of the Scouting program to the young men of Shrewsbury and surrounding communities – helping boys develop a foundation of core skills and values that they will carry forward throughout their lives and to have tons of fun while doing so!”
Troop 114 goes on 10 campouts per year (monthly September to June) and attends a week of summer camp. Since 1916, Troop 114 has spent over 2,500 nights camping through New England. Members of Troop 114 have also been present at every National Boy Scout Jamboree that has ever been held. Through the years, 121 members of Troop 114 have attained the rank of Eagle Scout. For the last decade, crews of Scouts have attended national High Adventure camps across the country, including Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Seabase in Florida and the Bahamas, and Maine High Adventure in northern Maine.
Over the past 100 years Scouting, Troop 114 has evolved as society evolved. There are many new merit badges, for example, which focus on cutting-edge technologies and industries that did not exist years ago. While much has changed, the core values and teachings of the Scouting program have remained the same since 1916 when Troop 114 began.
Troop 114 will celebrate its centennial with a variety of events. Among them, a Boy Scout worship service at FCC in January, followed by an open house in Gifford Hall, participation in the 2016 Memorial Day Parade with a special banner and leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and a summer 2016 adventure trip and campout. Wrapping up the events will be participation in the Spirit of Shrewsbury festival at the end of September.
All Boy Scouts in Shrewsbury are invited to participate in the centennial celebration activities.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/troop114shrewsbury.
