The Boy Scouts of Troop 97 took part in a variety of activities in November and December, including service projects and trips.

Every November, Scouts across the nation collect nonperishable food and household supplies for neighbors in need as part of the annual Scouting for Food program. Boy Scouts of Troop 97 joined forces with Cub Scouts of Pack 97 to distribute flyers on the first Saturday of the month and collect donations the following Saturday. This year, 23 Scouts and 25 family members volunteered more than 300 hours of community service to collect 2,112 items. The Scouts sorted items into categories, boxed them up, and delivered them to the Londonderry Fire Company 1 for distribution.

The following weekend, 11 Scouts and nine adults from Troop 97 traveled to Philadelphia to tour the Eastern State Penitentiary. They saw several areas of the prison, such as the security hall; the grounds outside, including a small exercise yard; the perimeter walls; and the watch towers. Some of the prisoners who were wealthy, like Al Capone, had luxurious cells with a radio and a plush chair.

The Scouts' adventure continued on the USS New Jersey, America's most decorated battleship. The group enjoyed a guided tour of the captain's quarters, the steam room, the engine room below deck, and the weapons systems of the ship. They slept in the bunks and ate on the ship, with Scouts Colin Buggy, Adrian Komanski, Logan Nissley, and Daniel Orris volunteering to serve meals to crew members and visitors. Daniel and leaders Danielle Kryscio and Assistant Scoutmaster David Orris had the opportunity of firing the guns on deck.

In December, Assistant Scoutmasters Chris Hoyt, Matt Pauley, and Erik Moir helped the Scouts to earn the Automotive Merit Badge. The Scouts learned how to maintain a vehicle by checking the fluids, tires, and brakes. They reviewed what the gauges and lights on the dashboard mean and how easily things can break. Hoyt brought in a complete engine that the Scouts disassembled to see all the parts and how they work together, learning why maintenance is vital. Pauley used the BSA EDGE (Educate, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) method to provide the boys with opportunities for hands-on experience in changing the oil in a truck.

Tenderfoot Scout William Weber served as the master of ceremonies for the December Court of Honor, a celebration when Scouts recap recent activities and are recognized for rank advancements and merit badges earned. The event included Reindeer Games, a favorite being a race between Scouts and leaders to put on and take off a five-piece Santa Claus suit in a five-man relay. The event ended with a gift exchange and refreshments.

Troop 97 is sponsored by The Londonderry Fire Company 1. For information, contact Ted Pauley at 717-503-3078.