90 years of good turns

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Scoutmaster Robert Knox (right) and scouts from troop 358 show a display on Oil and its Production. (Submitted photo)
Scoutmaster Robert Knox (right) and scouts from troop 358 show a display on Oil and its Production. (Submitted
photo)

By Abby Walton

Since 1950, Troop 358 in Zionsville has been a part of Ralph Stacy’s life.

“I was around seven years old when I started Cub Scouts,” he said. Stacy moved up through the ranks of Boy Scouts and eventually received the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout.

The Stacy family from left: Lora, Ralph, Ryan, Jan and Ralph. (Submitted photo)
The Stacy family from left: Lora, Ralph, Ryan, Jan and Ralph. (Submitted photo)

“Scouting has always had a special meaning in my life,” Stacy said.

Besides building confidence and leadership skills, Stacy said another reason his love of scouting runs deep is because of the friendships he made and mentoring he received at an early age.

“One of the most touching memories for me was when my mother died of cancer. I was 11 years old at the time and I remember being out in the lawn and my scout leader, Henry, and his wife, Helen, stopped by to console me. They were truly great scout leaders to me and many other boys in the community,” he said. It is memories like this which kept Stacy active in Troop 358 throughout the years with his two sons, who also became Eagle Scouts.

Stories like this are common for Troop 358, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2013. Starting with just a few boys in 1923, the troop now has 119 young men and 26 adult volunteers.

“We’re currently one of the largest troops in Indiana,” said Mark Pishon, troop committee chair, adding that the continued growth of the troop is really based on great leaders and a sense of service.

“We’re a part of the fabric of this town. People know about Troop 358 and we really do try to lead the way,” Pishon said. From cleaning up areas of town to selling Christmas trees and wreaths, this troop tries to live the Boy Scout slogan of “Do a Good Turn Daily.”

A group of new scouts on probably their first campout, learning to cook for themselves.
A group of new scouts on probably their first campout, learning to cook for themselves.

“We really try to let the boys lead the projects and set the goals for the troop,” said John Wiebke, scoutmaster for Troop 358. It’s this commitment to the Boy Scout law of being a well-rounded person that Wiebke said hasn’t changed in the more than 100 years.

While the values haven’t changed, Wiebke said some of the activities and lessons are quite different from when he was a boy scout.

“When we’re out camping, we usually tell the boys to leave their cell phones at home, but at this year’s national jamboree, the national council actually encouraged them to bring their phones,” he said. With that came lessons about cell phone etiquette, and the scouts could easily “friend” a new acquaintance on Facebook. While it might not be learning how to tie knots or build a fire, it’s this evolution that keep Troop 358 thriving.

Troop 358 is holding a special celebration at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church, 70 West Oak St., to celebrate 90 years of educating young men.

“Our theme is ‘When Tradition Meets the Future,’ Pishon said. The night will include a dinner and special speakers. Tickets are $75 per person with proceeds going toward funding college scholarships for Troop 358 Eagle Scouts.

One is boy repelling off of a rock face, testing his nerve.
One is boy repelling off of a rock face, testing his nerve.

“We want it to be a night where people can come out, have a good time and reminisce about their time in Troop 358,” Pishon said.

 

For people like Stacy, the 90th anniversary is a big deal and something he wanted to be a part of planning. “I actually had the honor of knowing some of the first members as adults,” he said.

The leaders of Troop 358 seem to have scouting in their DNA. As Stacy said, “For me, the scout law is up there with the Ten Commandments.” It’s this commitment to friendship and community that keep these men involved. For example, Stacy’s boys are well into adulthood, but about six months ago, he decided to re-join the troop as a volunteer. “I just wasn’t ready to fully quit,” he said. And at 70 years young, Stacy said he’s learned a lot in the six months he’s been back with the troop. “The activities use more technology than they used to,” he said.

However, it’s this dedication to the young men of today and the community that these leaders said will hopefully carry them for another 90 years.

If you’re interested in tickets for the gala, you can call 615-584-6800.

 


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