Local Scout Troop 1555, also known as the “Grand Old Triple Nickel,” is seeking new members to join in the fun!
You may have seen the Scouts cleaning up at the end of the Kingston Fourth of July Parade, packing up for a week away at Camp Parsons, loading equipment back into the Scout Hall after a hike, splitting and stacking firewood by the Scout Cabin, or just playing around in Kola Kole Park. Being a Scout is all about serving the community, enjoying the great outdoors, learning practical life skills, and having a good time.
Since school started this year, the troop has gone hiking to Lena Lake, had a Court of Honor to recognize rank advancement and merit badges earned, participated in a community meal at the Village Green Community Center, donated three large boxes of hand-picked apples to the Kingston Food Bank, and goofed off for 14 hours straight during their traditional overnight “lock-in” of games, junk food, and hanging out together.
November events included camping at Salt Creek over the long weekend, being present at Kingston Prepares to be among fellow citizens readying themselves for emergency situations, more service projects related to the holidays, and annual planning for next year’s array of activities (ideally including monthly hikes and camp outs, community support, and summer camp).
In the past three years, four young men of Kingston Troop 1555 have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Whatever the rank, Scouts practice pioneering, working together, and good citizenship.
When asked why they enjoy scouting, most members of the troop say they like getting outdoors to experience the wilderness by hiking and camping. Some just enjoy getting together weekly for the troop meetings. Life Scout Ian Whitney, a long-time member of Troop 1555, says “I really like earning the merit badges!” Maybe that’s because he has earned so many, or maybe it’s because of all the things he has learned along the way.
Troop 1555 is open for membership to all local boys between the ages of 11 and 18 years old. Meetings are every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kingston Scout Hall (the historic Triple Nickel Scout Cabin) at 26128 Bannister St. NE, in Kingston.
