Rockford Boy Scout Troop 264 celebrated its 100th birthday with a three-day Scout Exhibition at the Rockford Community Cabin August 26 to 28.
Rockford former Troop 1 was the first in West Michigan. photo by KYM STEFFES
The Exhibition was planned and executed by the Scouts themselves under the leadership of John Reedy and Michael Julien with guidance from Assistant Scoutmaster Jennie Betz and Troop Committee Chair Beth Reedy.
Each day began and ended with a flag ceremony. A model campsite was set up featuring tents, an ax yard and first aid station. Scouts demonstrated the safe use and care of axes and hatchets and various first aid techniques. An archway was constructed with poles lashed together and the Scouts demonstrated knot tying and even built a bridge over Rum Creek using only poles, planks and rope.
Bill Gerber, of Rockford, began his Scouting days in 1933. photo by Kym Steffes
Inside the Community Cabin, were a display of Scout memorabilia and a history of the Troop from its founding as Troop 1 by Merritt Lamb in 1910 to the present. Saturday, the Scouts built a bonfire which they used to retire American flags according to the flag code.
A Court of Honor was held to present the Scouts with merit badges and rank advancements they had earned. A total of 188 merit badges were earned by 41 different Scouts and 27 of the Scouts earned rank advancements. Gerald R. Ford Council Scout Executive Michael Sulgrove addressed the assembly on the importance of Scouting and congratulated the Troop on being the first in the Council to complete 100 years of service.
Troop 1 was the second Boy Scout troop in the state and the first in West Michigan. photo by KYM STEFFES
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