Above is a group photo of Troop 22 during a week of summer camp at Camp Rodney, in Maryland. The troop has a 75th year celebration planned for Nov. 12.
BLOOMFIELD, NJ — While much in the world has changed since 1941, one comforting constant remains strong: the flow of boys and their parents to 60 Byrd Ave. in Bloomfield to participate in Boy Scout Troop 22. The still lively group has been chartered to St. Thomas the Apostle Church for 75 years, teaching life skills and leadership to thousands of young men over its years of existence.
The troop’s current roster includes 50-plus Scouts and more than 30 leaders from Bloomfield, Nutley and surrounding towns. They have an active agenda of monthly campouts, community service and high-adventure experiences, the latest of which saw the boys manning a sailboat in the Bahamas. And their hike-of-the-month crew has logged enough miles over the years to entirely circle the Earth.
Troop alumni have enjoyed successful careers in areas from education to finance, and medicine to music. Many have served in the military and as first responders. More than 150 names are inscribed on its Eagle Honor Roll, listing those T22 Scouts who have earned the highest rank in Scouting.
Scoutmaster Emeritus Karl Hughes, who led the troop for more than a dozen years, reveals the secret of the troop’s longevity and success: “The secret to Scouting is that it teaches so much more than knots and wilderness survival. A true boy-run troop like 22 gives a Scout the opportunity to develop leadership and other important life skills as he works with his peers, earns advancements and organizes community projects. We’ve been lucky enough to have a strong group of adults who have helped our boys succeed.”
The troop is inviting alumni and friends to celebrate its history, as it completes the anniversary year. There are several ways to re-connect. The troop is collecting stories and photos to post on its website, troop22bsa.org. You may send these to T22webmaster@gmail.com.
Troop 22 is also holding an anniversary celebration as part of its annual Eagle Court of Honor, and welcome back former Scouts and friends, on Nov. 12, at noon at St. Thomas School. Attendees are welcome to bring some memorabilia to share on display that day. For reservations to this luncheon, contact the webmaster or call 973-338-0097 by Oct. 17. An attendance fee is charged
The Troop still meets Tuesday nights during the school year, 7:30 p.m., in St. Thomas School. New members are always welcome.
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