CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Scouts of all ages offered three-finger salutes as Carmichael’s Troop 55 marked its 100-year anniversary last weekend.

Chartered in 1923, boys of the troop first met in a lumber cabin beside the old Carmichael Presbyterian Church on Marconi Avenue. Over a century, activities continued at Carmichael Elementary School, the Clubhouse at Carmichael Park and in Jensen Botanical Gardens. Of late, they gather at Koobs Nature Area in summer and at Del Campo High School in winter.

Almost 80 Scouts, former Scouts and supporters reunited for memories, presentations, speeches and cupcakes at a Carmichael Park picnic. Dr Trent Saxton (73) made the journey from Idaho for the party. “My Scouting years happened all over the world, as my father was in the Air Force,” he recalled. “Over the years, I’ve been a college trustee, a doctor. All these came about through what I learned from my experiences as a Scout.”

Addressing the gathering, former Scout Master Andrew Campbell (54) honored the troop’s endurance. “It’s taken people who believe in Scouting enough to invest part of their lives for the movement,” he said. “We are preparing youth to make ethical choices. There are few other opportunities today for them to experience hands-on leadership.

“In Scouting, they help each other; they teach each other skills. It’s what I call “Lord of the Flies” done right. Some kids today are so busy texting that they don’t know how to have conversations. Conversations between kids and adults – happen in Scouting all the time. This is the glue that holds society together; it’s incredibly important that it endures.”

Pioneer Express District Executive Steve Croff praised troop leaders and parents for their contributions. “In 100 years, this troop has had 5000 members,” he said. “Can you imagine the impact these leaders have had on this community; on this nation and in the world?”

The troop serves Carmichael with flag presentations at ceremonial events. Members pitch in for river cleanups and help at Carmichael Kiwanis Club fundraisers. To mark the anniversary, their Kiwanis sponsors presented troopers with checks for $300 and $400. Supervisor and former Cub Scout Rich Desmond offered a resolution commemorating the anniversary.

Troop alumni and current members and leaders have the satisfaction of leaving a 100-year legacy,” considered former leader Andrew Campbell. “We have what it takes for the next 100 years.”

Most hugged person at the meeting was Harriette Carr who been Unit Commissioner for 35 years. “This is a wonderful troop,” she said. “It understands Scouting goals and it leads its members properly. I got so many hugs from the wonderful boys who’ve grown up in the troop. All of them thanked me. I’ve been a second mother to so many of them.”

Scouting BSA now includes girls who form separate troops. Girls and boys aged from 5 to 18 may contact the club regarding membership. For information visit: https://sites.google.com/site/troop55gec/home