Whiz Kids: Troop 248 - Scouting, Fun And Helping Grow Young Men Since 1927

Whiz Kids: Scout Troop No. 248

School/Church: Scouts attend University Place Schools.  They meet each week at Central: Church on the Hill, Monday evenings @7:00pm.

Director/Leader: Dave Matzen, Scoutmaster, involved with troop since 1983.  Scouting since 1967, earned his Eagle in 1975.  Loves working with the scouts and showing the fun one can have scouting.  Every year is new and different, fun can be had and being a kid happens at any age.

Accomplishment(s): The troop was started in 1927 by George R. Curtis as Troop No. 48 at the old university Place School on 27th and Grandview.  In 1956 the troop grew with scouts and was divided into troops No. 148 and No. 248.

Since Troop No. 248 began there have been 97 young men who have earned their Eagle Scout Award.  (The highest level of Scouting).  Currently they are encouraging five young men who are near to earning their eagles, when the 100th Eagle Scout requirement is met, they are planning a celebration. Inviting past Eagle Scouts from the group to gather in reunion and commenmoration of a great achievement for members past and present of the troop.

Awesomeness: The Troop has 20 to 25 scouts, ages 11 to 17, participating weekly in the troop meetings and activities. They teach traditional scouting, camp together monthly, earn merit badges, and advance boys along the scout program.  But what makes this troop stand above the rest, is there length of time being established as a troop almost 84 years.  As well as there desire to make it fun with a twist.  There is excitement to their troop that most scouts do not get to experience.

For example they plan a "Great Alaskan Adventure" every four years.  They have been doing this trip since 1986, taking 10 to 12 days exploring the great outdoors of Alaska.  This year will be the 8th trip, which will include sea kayaking, a logging show, tram ride to Mount Roberts, sea-snorkling, visiting totem pole parks, hiking a glacier, while learning about the history and culture of southeast Alaska.  Stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Juneau  are planned. Then the troop will finishing up the trip with a real "Polar Bear Swim" in the iceberg filled Lake Mendenhal in Juneau.

 Highlights of Troop No. 248: lead the parade across the original Narrows Bridge, camping most months all year long, attends summer camps all over the great state of Washington and have even traveled to Oregon for adventures.  They have an especially great time at camp - often dressing up for more fun: Christmas is celebrated, balloon hats made and worn,  and other antics that add fun to the usual scout camp events. They plan a long backpacking trip each summer - to help the young men practice learned scouting skills while appreciating the great outdoors.

Every Christmas season, since 1962, you can see this troop on Bridgeport near the little red house with white trim, sharing the spirit of the season by selling Christmas Trees.  This activity helps fund raise for scout weekends, summer camp, hikes and even  adventures like the Alaska trip.Currently the troop is working with the UP Plant sale April 30 and May 1.  Proceeds will go to the troop for the summer trip to Alaska, while giving you get green plants to pretty up the landscape around your home. 

Why is it that Scoutmaster Dave Matzen can relate to the youth? He said enthusiastically," I am 52 going on 15!  I love working with these youth and adults.  I get to camp and be outdoors too."

Way to go Troop No. 248 - scouting, growing, and teaching young men skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.  Troop No. 248 is always looking for new members ages 11 to 17.  If interested please contact Dave Matzen at Boyscouttroop_248@hotmail.com.

Whiz Kid(s) column is run weekly-nominations are accepted for teams, troops, groups, or individuals showing exceptional talent, skill, service and as well as being community minded.  Please contact Marion Lybbert at mmlybbert@aol.com to nominate a whiz kid (s) from University Place.