History of Scouting in the
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Scouting in Burlington County was formally initiated by the chartering of the Burlington County Council (BCC) in 1925 and incorporation by the state of New Jersey in 1935. Pack 55 and Troop 55 were chartered through the Crosswicks Community Association in 1965 and 1951 respectively. The Burlington County Council and its successor the Garden State Council is one of the largest youth-serving organizations in South Jersey. 12,500 youth in 250 different units are registered in Garden State Council programs. These young people are supported by over 4,000 adult volunteers that serve as leaders, merit badge counselors, and committee members to deliver a quality Scouting program.
Prior to the formation of Troop 55, many youth in the area participated in the scouting in neighboring communities, principally Bordentown and Allentown, New Jersey. Troop 55 of Crosswicks was formed on October 1, 1951 with Edward J. Ryder, Scoutmaster and Robert O. Wilson, Asst. Scoutmaster. The troop was sponsored by Robert C. Laycock, Edward J. Ryder, Robert O. Wilson, A. Robert Brick, Charles B Brick and W. Hall Dent. The institutional representatives were Charles A. Parker, Clarence E. Margerum, and John D. Ward. In the Early Days the troop met at the Orthodox Friends Meeting House and the Crosswicks Community House. Presently they meet every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm at the Crosswicks Community House under the watchful eye and gentle guidance of Edward "Jack" Ryder. In 1980 Troop 55 began organizing their own "High" Adventure trip. Each year the troop takes a 4-5 day trip either backpacking, canoeing, or bicycling their way through a remote area on a three year cycle. Trips have included the Old Loggers Trail, PA; many times down the Delaware and Potomac Rivers; many times on the Appalachian Trail; The Great Allegheny Passage; Gettysburg, PA and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to name a few. Troop 55 has had a total of 65 Eagle Scouts in its history. Eagle is the highest rank achievement in the Boy Scouts of America program. Pack 55 of Chesterfield was formed when the charter was granted to the Crosswicks Community Association on December 1, 1965. In that year, The Cub Scout program of scouting was in its 35th year and broke the 3 million mark for boys registered for the year. The Pack has continuously operated since 1965. Venture Crew 55 was active in the Chesterfield Area in the 1990's/ early 2000's. Venture crews are youth ages 14-21. They experience scouting on another level akin to high adventure. One example of their adventures was a snorkeling and scuba diving experience in Jamaica. The Pack and the Troop have enjoyed providing the youth of the Chesterfield and surrounding area with opportunities for the outdoor activities, service projects, sports, academics and more in a fun and exciting program that families and community can teach basic core American values such as honesty, tolerance, work ethic, citizenship, leadership, and respect. The youth and Adult leaders of Troop and Pack 55 are proud to be contributing to the Boy Scouts of America movement today. View all the great service and adventures Troop 55 in experiencing by visiting them at www.crosswickstroop55.weebly.com |
In the above photo is the Ryder family (circa 1964). Ed Ryder Sr. was the Mayor of Chesterfield Township in 1964 when this photo was taken. 13 years earlier he became the first Scoutmaster of Troop 55. Standing in front of him is his son Ed (Jack) Ryder Jr, who approx 13 years later would become the Scoutmaster of Troop 55 and hold that title for now over 40 years.
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Boy Scout Troop 55 Earns Cleanup Award
Boy Scout Troop 55 has received the Stewardship of Public Lands Cleanup award from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC) for its commitment to cleaning the Crosswicks section of Chesterfield.
Troop 55 has provided a scouting experience for thousands of boys from the greater Chesterfield area since 1951. The Boy Scouts of Troop 55 clean up the grounds of local establishments, such as the Crosswicks United Methodist Church on Ward Avenue and the Chesterfield Historical Society on Front Street.
“The scouts of Troop 55 have done great work with our cleanup of the Crosswicks Creek and the Chesterfield community this past year. They will hopefully do even more in the years to come,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Rex van Veldhuisen.
“We are truly proud of Troop 55; the boys have done excellent work cleaning up Crosswicks. They are the perfect example that it’s never too early to start caring about the environment,” said NJCCC Executive Director Sandy Huber.
NJCCC is a comprehensive, statewide litter-abatement program that has served New Jersey residents and visitors for more than 25 years. Learn more at njclean.org.
You can also learn more about Troop 55 and its work in Burlington County by visiting http://crosswickstroop55.weebly.com
Quoted form the Burlington County times July 6th 2016
Troop 55 has provided a scouting experience for thousands of boys from the greater Chesterfield area since 1951. The Boy Scouts of Troop 55 clean up the grounds of local establishments, such as the Crosswicks United Methodist Church on Ward Avenue and the Chesterfield Historical Society on Front Street.
“The scouts of Troop 55 have done great work with our cleanup of the Crosswicks Creek and the Chesterfield community this past year. They will hopefully do even more in the years to come,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Rex van Veldhuisen.
“We are truly proud of Troop 55; the boys have done excellent work cleaning up Crosswicks. They are the perfect example that it’s never too early to start caring about the environment,” said NJCCC Executive Director Sandy Huber.
NJCCC is a comprehensive, statewide litter-abatement program that has served New Jersey residents and visitors for more than 25 years. Learn more at njclean.org.
You can also learn more about Troop 55 and its work in Burlington County by visiting http://crosswickstroop55.weebly.com
Quoted form the Burlington County times July 6th 2016
