A half century ago, local boys were earning merit badges through Boy Scout Troop No. 40, chartered through Simpson Creek Baptist Church.

 

The tradition continues.

 

Currently, about 40 boys, ages 11 through 17, are members of Troop 40 and work to advance not only their scouting ranks, but also their life skills. They earn merit badges in categories such as first aid, swimming, personal finance, family life and personal fitness, among many others.  

“They start off as scouts, then advance to tenderfoot, second and first class, then star, life and eagle scout,” said Louisa Householder, registered leader and community chairperson. “So while they are working on their merit badges, they are working to fulfill requirements for their rank also.”

 

Achieving eagle scout is quite a notable accomplishment.

 

“And our troop produces more than the national average,” Householder said. “On average, two percent of all scouts become eagle scouts. Our average is much higher.”

 

In fact, since the birth of Troop 40, so many have obtained eagle scout rank that it takes three plaques to display their names.

 

Householder credits the Bridgeport community and surrounding areas for supporting the troop, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary Aug. 16 and 17 at Camp Mohonegan in Ellenboro.

 

 “We invite any past scouts and scout masters of Troop 40 to attend,” Householder said.

 

Those interested can visit www.troop40.bridgeport.org to register or obtain for more information.

 

Though scouting is laced with tradition, it is also implementing some new programs. Troop 40 is implementing a coed Venture Crew, for those ages 14 through 21.

 

“This is to offer older kids high adventure trips. Sometimes kids may have already been through the merit badge program and want to do outdoor activities, like white water rafting. This helps keep the older kids interested and we're hoping to bring some college kids back." 

 

During the last week of July, about a dozen members within those age perimeters attended a trip to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Fayetteville and took part in white water rafting, mountain/BMX biking, skate boarding, rock climbing, rappelling and shooting activities.

 

Approximately 20 to 25 scouts attend weekly meetings of Troop 40, Householder said. Her husband Troy is scoutmaster and their son Carter, 24, achieved eagle scout rank and still registered with the troop. Carter, 16, is currently a life scout. Daughter, Jenna, is a registered member of the Venture Crew.

 

Among other active families are the Greers. Dad Bob is former community chair and boys Joseph, Chris and Robert have all achieved the eagle scout rank.

 

The troop also takes a great interest in community service. Among the most recent project was a two-day clean-up of the Simpson Creek banks. In addition to truckloads of trash, the troop pulled out some interesting items.

 

“We found an unbelievable amount of tires and multiple shopping carts – some which had been there so long, we had to pull them out with four-wheelers,” Householder said.

 

For the role the troop has played in bettering the city in a number of ways, Bridgeport City Council will honor its representatives during Monday’s 7 p.m. meeting.

 

“I think it’s very nice that the city is going to honor us in that way,” Householder said. “And we’re very fortunate to have the support of this community and the parents. I really think that is why this troop is so successful. We have as many registered adults as we do boys. Not everybody is active, but we are fortunate because we know troops in our surrounding areas can’t do things we’re able to do. Some troops are folding because they don’t have the leadership.”