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Boy Scout Troop 215 celebrates 100 years in Grand Rapids

Posted at 11:16 PM, Feb 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-04 23:16:53-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Boy Scout Troop 215 celebrated 100 years of  learning and fun on Sunday.

"We began in 1918 with Trinity United Methodist Church," said Scoutmaster Rick Sprague.

Sprague says their name may have changed over the years, but they will always hold the title of being the oldest Boy Scout troop in the Grand Rapids area.

"We started out as Troop 15 back in the early days, and in the 40s that changed to 215 when the counselor renumbered everyone. But we are the longest continuously chartered organization for Boy Scouts in West Michigan."

He says currently the troop is seeing a rise in Scouts joining. Not every Boy Scout troop can say alumni includes astronaut Roger Chaffee and President Gerald R. Ford, but Troop 215 can.

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow also took part in the celebration over the weekend.

"I think Scouting is really important for boys and girls," Stabenow said. "It’s about leadership, confidence building, friendships, getting to know other people, learning specific skills. It’s a great way to prepare young people for the future."

Skills like sewing, cooking and preparing personal finances are emphasized to help young kids move towards a stable and prosperous future.

In May, the troop will host Heroes on the Grand, which will include a special cookout.