Troop Anniversary Celebration Ideas

from Scouts-L mail list

Date: Fri, 10 Nov 1995 03:11:09 -0500
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG>
Subject: Re: 75th Anniversary Celebration

Ideas you may want to consider for your 75th Anniversary Celebration:

• Display old uniforms
• Display all of the ribbons normally hung on the Troop flag around the room where each can be seen individually in chronological order
• Display any surviving old flags including patrol flags
• Read old postcards and letters from camp to home
• Relate funny stories from the past
• Invite alumni
• Skits about what it was like way back when by adults and patrols
• Displays of old gear and new gear
• Scrapbooks
• Slide show or video compilation of pictures
• Special honors/awards to veterans
• Don't forget media news releases with pictures
• Invite local dignitaries as guests of honor

And here's some ideas I gave once before for a 25th anniversary that could be adapted to 75th:

One approach that I've seen is for the Troop to have a catered or pot luck supper followed by awards and presentations and then an historical and very BRIEF slide show of events over the past twenty-five years including some pictures of postcards sent home by the first troop members and the newest side by side (shows that things change, but still are the same) and some humorous situations. Keep the pace quick and upbeat. When the slide show is over - keep the lights out. Light a single large candle in the front of the room and denominate it the Spirit of Scouting. Explain that 25 years ago there was no Scouting here until so-and-so started the Troop (First Scoutmaster and Committee). Explain that their efforts led to the spreading of this spirit. Ask the first members to come forward and light their candles (this takes a lot of candles). Then explain that in succeeding years their efforts caused the light of Scouting's Spirit to be passed on and spread. Ask members from 20 - 24 years back to stand and for the first year group to light their candles. Repeat the process for each five year spread, until all Scouts past and present have had their candles lit. Conclude with a statement that because of the selfless efforts of these many Scouts the light has spread and spread helping young people to grow to successful positions in the community using leadership and values learned in Scouting. Ask the older alums to present the current Scouts (pick presenters ahead of time on a one-to-one ratio) with the 25 year strip to be worn over the Troop number. End with Scout Vesper in candlelight setting. Dismiss. If you don't get some teary eyes out of this, the audience is dead - contact a mortician. Grin.

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
DDC-Training, GW Dist. Nat Capital Area Council mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG

Last modified on March 26, 1996