New Members Sought

After partnering with the Col. Jacob Morgan American Legion Post 537 on various activities, including the annual Memorial Day ceremony in Elverson, Scout Troop 37 recently announced that the American Legion is its new sponsor.

Previously sponsored by the Elverson/Morgantown Lions Club, Troop 37 also had an ongoing relationship with the American Legion, located at 4499 N. Twin Valley Road, Morgantown. Troop members performed the flag lowering, folding, retiring and flag replacement ceremony during the playing of taps by the American Legion during the Memorial Day event.

Troop members have also joined the American Legion in helping to mark gravesites with American flags at local cemeteries. Most recently, the Scouts helped out at the American Legion's chicken barbecue.

In addition to now being sponsored by a new organization, Troop 37 has become a member of the Hawk Mountain Council, seceding from the Chester County Boy Scout Council. The troop will now primarily participate in Scouting programs that are coordinated by the Hawk Mountain Council, including attendance at its summer camp in 2022.

Troop 37 is open to young men ages 10 to 18. "We are actively recruiting Scouts. We are also trying to start up Cub Scouts again," said scoutmaster Tom Yost, noting that Cub Scout troops are open to youths in kindergarten through fifth grade.

In 2020, Troop 37 did not meet or attend summer camp, but activities have resumed. "We are doing lots of outdoor activities (like) hiking and camping," Yost said. "We also do a lot of community service (projects). We have a (regular) roadside cleanup along Route 23, and then we also do a yearly roadside cleanup in East Nantmeal. The kids have fun with the things they find."

He noted that Scouts who have aged out of the troop often volunteer as adult leaders. "The adult leaders are younger guys that the kids can identify with more, and they are willing to come back and (help)," said Yost. "They recently did an Appalachian Trail Hike, and the three adult leaders were (former) Scouts in their 20s. (They) volunteered to lead the hike. "

Young men interested in joining the group are invited to attend a troop meeting. Meetings are typically held on Mondays at the Elverson Borough Hall, 101 S. Chestnut St., from 7 to 8 p.m., unless there is a school holiday or a legal holiday that falls on a Monday.

Troop 37, which is composed of students from the Twin Valley and Owen J. Roberts school districts, was formed in 1926 and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.

For more information on troop activities, community service projects and fundraisers, contact Yost at 610-220-7827 or Anthony Malcolm, assistant scoutmaster, at anthonymalcom876@gmail.com or 610-858-2659.