By Zachary Wyatt, Scouts BSA Troop 29 scoutmaster

Troop 29 hit a major milestone in 2025: 100 years of Scouting! In November, the troop held an anniversary celebration at Trinity Lutheran Church. We were treated to stories and reflections from former scoutmasters, current leaders, parent volunteers and even a few Scouts.

As is customary when we convene for a Court of Honor, I close with a reflection of my own in what is known as the Scoutmaster’s Minute. I typically choose to focus on one of the points of the Scout Law, the Scout Oath or the Outdoor Code. These are core tenets that Scouts are required to memorize and standards that Scouts are challenged to live up to.

For this occasion, however, I chose to share some thoughts on legacy. A Scout who joins a troop as soon as they are able will have a maximum of seven years in the program. I encouraged the Scouts to think about what it takes for a troop to survive for 100 years, when each Scout’s personal contribution to that timeline is comparably short. It requires continued commitment from many people: Scouts, Scouting families, volunteer leaders, the chartering organizations and the community that supports us.

As we learned from some of the speakers, the troop had several moments over the years when membership waned and its continued existence was in question. So, I am thrilled to lead a troop that currently has 25 scouts and several committed volunteer leaders. The troop’s future is bright.

It truly takes a village, and Troop 29 is proud to have been part of this community for all these years. We thank all of our neighbors who support our fundraising efforts, donate to food drives, suggest ideas for service projects and generally support Scouting on Madison’s east side. We also owe a huge thanks to Trinity Lutheran Church for providing us a home and being such a supportive partner.

Finally, I personally want to thank everyone who has contributed to Troop 29 reaching this milestone. The program means so much to our Scouts, and the troop’s longevity is a legacy the whole community should be proud of.

Troop 29 is a progressive, inclusive troop proud to serve Madison’s east side. It meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Youth in grades 6-12 who are interested in learning outdoor and leadership skills are welcome to join.

Previous Next