SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Local and state representatives, the governor and a former U.S. president offered their congratulations to Boy Scout Troup 625 for its 80th anniversary.
A celebration was held Sunday at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dock Street, and featured a brief history of the troop, memorabilia and guest speakers.
“Congratulations on your 80th anniversary. You have been a vital part of nearly all of the history and progress of the Boy Scouts of America. We know that in your next 80 years you will continue to lead and inspire countless more young men on the path toward adulthood,” former President Jimmy Carter said in a letter.
Gov. Tom Wolf, the Schuylkill County commissioners and state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, sent congratulations on the anniversary and the troop’s impact on scouting life.
State Sen. David Argall, R-29, offered his praises to the troop at the church.
“Congratulations on this special occasion. You are obviously doing something right,” he said.
He served as one of the guest speakers on Sunday.
“Boy Scout Troop 625 of Schuylkill Haven was chartered in 1936 by Christ Lutheran Sunday school. Christ Lutheran Church also sponsored Explore Troop 626, as well as Pack 625. The troop used to meet in the log cabin basement of the Christ Lutheran and St. Matthew’s. The church was destroyed by fire in 1991, which led to the merging of Christ Lutheran and St. Matthew’s. The church was renamed as Jerusalem Lutheran Evangelical Church,” Chris Ebling, assistant scoutmaster, said.
The 15-member Boy Scout troop meets at the youth building outside of the church. Since its inception, there have been 14 scoutmasters and 76 Eagle Scouts.
Jerry Beaver, district chairman of the Black Rock District, which encompasses all of Schuylkill County, and a member of the Hawk Mountain Council, said sometimes the scoutmasters might ask themselves if they are making a difference in the life of young men. He said they are.
He told the Scouts to stick with it because it’s worth it. He said the organization teaches skills that can be use in life.
Chris Fisher, manager of operations for Dauphin County Emergency Management, said he was a Boy Scout from 1987 to 1994. He said the skills he learned help him everyday.
“All too often, we take something for granted,” he said.
He urged the Scouts to get the most out of their experience.
Joe Oliver, Black Rock District Boy Scout advancement chair, said he wanted to say how proud he was of the troop reaching the milestone.
“Let’s keep it going for another 80 years,” he said.
Joel Koch, current scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 625, said he is proud of what he called his family.
“The boys bring our lives joy,” he said.
Koch also announced that he is stepping down as scoutmaster to give someone else the opportunity. He has been scoutmaster since 2012. He said he will stay active in scouting as an assistant scoutmaster.
Casey Chamberlain, 12, of Schuylkill Haven, said he likes being outdoors and going on trips, something he has been able to do as a Boy Scout.
Joshua Tuite, 13, of Schuylkill Haven, said he also enjoys being a Boy Scout. He has 16 merit badges and is working on more.
Ryley Boyer, 10, of Schuylkill Haven, also enjoys his time with his friends and learning more skills that can help him as he gets older. He said 80 years for an organization is a long time.
“I think it’s kind of neat,” he said.