Troop 48 celebrates what Scouting ‘is all about’

Berlin Boy Scout Troop 48 will mark 60 years of shaping young men into leaders on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

The troop will commemorate the anniversary during a special Court of Honor at Holy Communion Lutheran Church in the borough. Scoutmaster Michael McCormick shared insights into the troop’s storied history, achievements and plans for the future.

“Troop 48 was founded by Joseph Derr and Joseph Schaeffer in December, 1964 at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, which remains our sponsor today,” he explained. “Under Mr. Derr’s leadership, the troop quickly grew and took on adventures across the Pine Barrens, Lake George, and beyond.

“By 1967,” he added, “we celebrated our first Eagle Scout, George Meiler Jr., and more than two dozen followed during Mr. Derr’s tenure.”

Since then, Troop 48 has been led by Scoutmasters who have left their mark. Gary Lake, a former Scout himself, guided the troop to unprecedented growth in the 1980s and introduced the boys to backpacking and long-distance trips. Chris Farrell later led the troop on its first journey to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Under McCormick’s leadership, the troop has embraced a year-round camping schedule; the patrol method, which encourages Scouts to plan and lead their own activities; and significant outdoor excursions, including trips to the Grand Teton and Olympic National Parks.

Troop 48’s achievements are both remarkable and enduring, McCormick believes.

“We’re proud to say that 128 Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting,” he noted. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our Scouts, leaders and community.”

The troop’s contributions to the local community are well known. This year alone, the Scouts completed more than 1,000 hours of service, supporting initiatives like food drives for the GIFT Food Pantry, assisting the VFW with flag placements and retirements, and organizing trash cleanups with the South Jersey Land & Water Trust.

Other Eagle projects have left a lasting impact, from building a gaga ball pit at Berlin Community School to enhancing Berlin historical sites and local parks.

“The bigger contribution, though, is the hundreds of young men whose character has been shaped through Scouting,” McCormick emphasized. “Local business owners, teachers, police officers and civic leaders got their start here, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how they’ve grown.”

To mark the 60-year milestone, Troop 48 has invited some of those former Scouts and leaders, as well as the community, to join the Court of Honor celebration. It will begin at 7 p.m.

In addition, the troop will revisit its favorite camping destinations. Highlights will include a 50-mile backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail and camping trips to other spots in Troop 48’s history.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, McCormick shared a memorable story.

“The real payoff is seeing a Scout come in at 10 or 11 years old, nervous and unprepared, struggling with homesickness or afraid to try new things like a zip line or whitewater rafting,” he recalled. “Over time, that Scout grows, gets organized, overcomes fears and becomes confident. Then he turns around and helps newer Scouts do the same.

“It’s the transformation we see time and again, and it’s what Scouting is all about.”

Troop 48 also owes its success to its leaders and volunteers.

“While our Scouts run the program, it’s the leaders who make it possible,” McCormick pointed out. “From driving to camp-outs to guiding Scouts through tough times, their impact is immeasurable. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Troop 48, and I hope to pass along what my leaders gave me to the next generation.”

The community can support Troop 48 not only by attending the anniversary celebration, but also sharing memories or contributing to its ongoing mission.

“We always love hearing from old Scouts and families,” McCormick added. “Their stories and support inspire us to keep going.”