Troop 157 commemorates 60th anniversary

East Meadow Boy Scout Troop 157 recognized its 60th anniversary with a celebration at Calvary Lutheran Church on May 11 that was attended by more than 100 current and former scouts.

Since 1953, 66 Eagle Scouts have emerged from the troop and at the ceremony, an honorary member was added to the list. Russell Rensch Jr. joined the troop as a boy in 1953 and later served as Scoutmaster, following in his father’s footsteps. “It’s a privilege to watch young men who grow up to be adults,” he said.

He, however, was unable to earn his Eagle before turning 18 year old, but was deservingly inducted by his fellow scouts and had his name added to the Eagle Scout plaque.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts. Less than five percent of scouts receive this honor.

After an awards ceremony and skits performed by current scouts that amicably poked fun at leaders’ known personality traits, the scouts and their families attended a buffet dinner. A slide show ran pictures from past camping trips while scouts of all ages shared stories and memories about their time in the troop.

Many scouts, who now have children of their own, some of whom are in the troop, explained that the organization had a measurable impact in their lives. In a club where boys were allowed to be boys, they also honed public speaking and teamwork skills, developed an appreciation for nature and made friends for a lifetime.

Among the hundreds of boys who passed through the troop, the group also recognized 16 men, including Rensch Jr. and his father, who generously offered their time, insight and energy to help local scouts and the East Meadow community.

For more pictures, visit this link: http://bit.ly/KzpNZX