A century of adventure

Photos courtesy of Darel Roa

THIS YEAR BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA WILL CELEBRATE THEIR CENTENNIAL. The history of local Edgewood Boy Scout Troop 525 dates back to 1945.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and for Edgewood Troop 525 Eagle Scout Alex Thomas, that is a big deal.  

“It’s important because this is 100 years of tradition that we’ve had given to us so that we can really enjoy what a lot of kids don’t have the opportunity to do,” Thomas said. “They don’t go camping in the snow, or go rafting in Eastern Washington.”

Thomas, a Puyallup High School sophomore who joined the BSA in 2001 as a Tiger Scout, said such activities were his primary motivation.

To celebrate the centennial, Edgewood will send five members of its troop to the BSA’s 100 Year National Jamboree in Virginia for two weeks in July.

“There’s a motto that has been used, it’s called ‘character counts,’” said Darel Roa, the parent of a Troop 525 scout. “In two words, that’s a good summary. Scouting tends to build good character.”

The Edgewood troop also plans to invite former scouts, scoutmasters and others who have supported the organization over the years to its Court of Honor, a quarterly ceremony at which scouts are recognized and receive rank advancements, Roa said. This particular Court of Honor, which will be held on March 22, will double as a troop reunion.

The origins of Troop 525, first sponsored by the Edgewood Grange, date back to 1945, just after World War II.

The Fife History Museum, open Wednesdays through Saturdays and located at 2820 54th Ave. E., is also honoring the Boy Scouts’ centennial with a display featuring awards, medals, uniforms and other BSA paraphernalia. The items will be on display until May.

According to the Boy Scouts of America website, the BSA was started by American businessman William D. Boyce, who felt compelled to establish the organization after visiting London.

At one point during that trip, Boyce reportedly found himself lost in a heavy fog. A young member of England’s Boy Scouts came to Boyce’s aid, but then refused to take any payment for his good deed. This act of kindness made Boyce believe a similar organization was needed in the United States.

Edgewood troop master John Joline said the United States organization has evolved over time.

“The main thing that Boy Scouts do is that it uses outdoor activities for teaching young men leadership skills, organizational skills and social skills,” Joline said. “The most important thing we do is raise young men to be the next generation of leaders for this country.”

Lorna Rodriquez is a freelance writer and student member of MediaLab at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland. She can be reached at .

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