History of Troop 91 

Troop 91 began as Troop 981 in 1964.  At that time the Troop was sponsored by the Edmond Chapel Methodist Church.  In 1983 the church property was sold and the Troop sought a new sponsor.  The Knights of Columbus Council 1384 agreed to be our new Charter Organization sponsor and at the same time the Troop’s number was changed to “91”. 

Troop 981/91 has had 10 Scoutmasters since it began in 1964: 

Marty Rowland, ’64 –’79 (deceased)

Garland Jett, ’79 –‘80

Vernon Laurie, ’80 –‘88

Joe Fishaber, ’88 – ‘89

Joe Link, ’89 – ‘94

Bill Mowery, ’94 – ‘97

Laura Varga, ’97 –‘99

Scott Cook, ’99 – ‘00

Jim Hazelwood, ’00 – ‘03

Bill Mowery, ’03 – ‘04

Gary Scholze, ’04 – '05

David Bruckner '05 - present

During that time, Troop 91 has recognized more than 50 Scouts at the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Purpose

The Troop adheres to the principles of Scouting as stated by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  The Troop provides a variety of outdoor experiences, including summer camp, high adventure camp, hiking treks, weekend campouts, backpacking, canoeing, bicycling, skiing, etc.

The Troop meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Knights of Columbus hall in Annapolis from 7:30 – 8:30pm, with certain exceptions as noted on the Troop calendar (for school exams, holidays, or other commitments).  The meetings contain structured opening and closing ceremonies, with program activities in Merit Badge classes, new scout orientation and advancement, skills demonstrations, patrol corners, and event planning.

A new Scout will need parental support to be successful in the scouting program.  While the Troop can provide much of the support needed for advancement, parents must support the boy in regular attendance at meetings and outings, wearing the proper uniform, and encouraging his participation in all activities.

A New Scout Needs the Following

1.         Boy Scout Uniform 

The Troop supplies a distinctive neckerchief at the time of enrollment.  The Troop has red berets for use at special occasions (Courts of Honor, other honor events), which we sell at a cost for $10.00.  The Troop also has red baseball caps for use at Troop meetings and outdoor activities, which we sell at cost.  Uniform insignia are normally purchased at the same time as the uniform at the BSA Scout Shop or Sunny’s Surplus.  Advancement insignia and event patches are supplied by the Troop.  Arrangement of the insignia is shown in the Scout Handbook and in separate fliers available from the Troop.

2.         Scout Handbook 

The Boy Scout Handbook is essential and should be brought to the meetings and outings on a regular basis.  The handbook is used to record the Scout’s progress through the ranks, as well as to explain many of the skills and techniques used in the outdoors.  The first section of the Handbook, Substance Abuse, must be reviewed by the parent and scout together and signed by both in order for the boy to advance to the first rank.  All other approvals must be made by the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters. 

3.         Attendance 

Scouts are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings and outings, unless special circumstances prevent attendance.  It is expected that the Scout will notify one of the Troop’s leaders in the event he will not be able to participate.  It is the Troop’s position that school comes first!  A Scout should not attend a function which may compromise school studies. 

Once per year the Troop engages in a fundraising activity, which has been, and hopefully will remain, working at the Renaissance Festival.  We typically man the beverage booths on both days of one weekend.  Because this is our only fundraiser and many hands are needed to fulfill our commitment to the Festival, it is considered mandatory that all Scouts and at least one parent participate in this event.  Also, as a service to the Knights of Columbus, the Troop assists with directing cars to parking spaces during the annual carnival in August.  This involves evening work split between Scouts and parents, and qualifies as service time for rank advancement. 

4.         Equipment 

Camping trips will require the Scout to have a reasonably good sleeping bag, ground mat, mess kit, and rain poncho or rain suit.  Eventually the family will want to purchase a backpacking tent suitable for overnight hikes to house two scouts.  After a Scout completes the “Totem Chip” requirements, he will be permitted to carry a camping knife (not sheath).  The Troop owns several tents for use by new scouts, and a large amount of kitchenware for cooking requirements. 

5.         Merit Badges 

A new Scout may begin to work on merit badges as soon as he joins Troop 91.  His interests should be made known to the Troop leadership, so he can be directed to appropriate counselors.  The Troop has the capability to teach and test all badges required for Eagle Scout. 

We are pleased that your son is looking at Troop 91 as the place to continue his scouting experience.  If you have any questions about Troop 91 feel free to ask, anytime, and we will be happy to answer them.

 

Yours in Scouting,

David Bruckner, Scoutmaster

Phone:  410-798-7588

dcbruckner@hotmail.com