By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Five decades of service to Hillsborough Township and its surrounding area will be celebrated by past and present members of Boy Scout Troop 1776, as officials gear up for this year’s 50th anniversary celebration., Generations of scouts and troop leaders and their families will gather at Camp Dewitt on June 17 and 18 to reminisce and interact with the today’s group of scouts., “I am excited about meeting past scouts from many years ago, Senior Patrol Leader Scott Torzewski said. “I also look forward to the stories they have to share and the traditions we still continue as a troop today.”, When Troop 1776 was formed back in April 1967, officials said the first group consisted of five scouts. Since that time, the troop has been sponsored by the Neshanic Reformed Church., Today, the troop boasts a roster of over 50 boys and 40 adult leaders, with weekly meetings still held at the Colonial-era church., Officials said the unit’s identification number, 1776, also holds special significance with the troop, as they are regularly connected to yearly activities commemorating the country’s storied history, such as marching in the Neshanic Station Memorial Day Parade., During the 50th anniversary weekend, troop representatives said the event will be designed with the family-friendly activities in mind. Meals will be provided and activities are being planned, including lashing demonstrations, family games, campfire skits and rocket launches., Included in the weekend’s events will also be a flag ceremony, which will feature Troop Militia and Drum Corps demonstrations., Scouts, leaders and their families can arrive on Saturday, June 17 and campout overnight if they choose., Organizers of the event said they were hoping to double the attendance of the 25th anniversary celebration that was held back in 1992 and had nearly 200 people attending., “It will be a great time to bring old friends together to reminisce about the fun times that were shared, and to get acquainted with the current group of scouts and leaders,” officials said in a release., When it’s all said and done, attendees will be able to participate in a group photo to commemorate the milestone., Anyone current or former members of Troop 1776 can go to the troop’s website, bsa1776.org, to register for the event.
