Troop 161 was chartered on March 13, 1927 and has a rich history spanning over eight decades. While non-denominational, the Troop is chartered by and meetings are held at Calvary Episcopal Church, 3766 Clifton Avenue. We serve young men between the ages of 11 and 18 living and going to school in the surrounding area. Many of our younger scouts come from Fairview German Language School and Annunciation School in Clifton and we have scouts attending various public and private high schools. We meet year round on Tuesday nights from 7:00 until 8:30. We have at least one overnight activity a month and at least one week of Scout Camp in the summer.
Troop 161 is a boy led troop. The Scouts elect leaders, run the meetings and plan the activities. Adult leaders, of course, are close by to provide guidance, safety and support. Within the Troop, the Scouts are split into Patrols with other Sscouts their own age. The Scouts engage in activities within their patrols and with the Troop as a whole.
We are lucky to have an affiliate adult organization called the Assistant Scout Masters (ASM). In 1947, as the members of the Troop grew older but still wanted to be involved with Scouting and Troop 161, the Troop's Scoutmaster, “Nux” Boesche, came up with the idea to form a “club” outside of Scouting for the graduating Scouts to join and benefit from more adult activities together. The ASM still exists and holds an annual luncheon where alumni can hear how the Troop is doing. Troop 161 also has close ties with Camp Timberidge, a 32 acre piece of property in Milford that the Scouts of Troop 161 consider their home camp. Originally purchased by parents of Scouts in Troop 161 for the Troop's use, Camp Timberidge is now owned and operated by Timberidge, Inc., a non-profit corporation. This property is available for us to camp and hike on along with other Scout troops and youth organizations. We hold our annual bridging ceremony and other camp activities at Camp Timberidge throughout the year. Members of the ASM, the Troop, Timberidge, Inc. and other volunteers help with the upkeep and maintenance of the camp.
Troop 161. There's nobody like us.
If you have questions or are interested in joining our Troop, click on the Contact Us link to the left or email scoutmaster@troop161.com.