100 Years Of Scouting In Fair Haven Gets Honor From Council

FAIR HAVEN, NJ —The Fair Haven Borough Council recently recognized Dec. 6 as the 100th anniversary of Scouting in the borough.

And, as Scoutmaster of Troop 125, Borough Council President Chris Rodriguez felt particularly proud about the Borough Council proclamation.

"Scouting in Fair Haven has been around for a century, thanks to the youth who participated and the volunteers, leaders and parents who dedicated countless time to the endeavor," he said.

"Our current Scouts represent the future of Scouting in town. For all of this, we tip our hats to all of those that came before us and we will be good stewards of the program going forward for the next generation," Rodriguez said.

According to the proclamation, which was approved unanimously on Dec. 19, Dec. 6 of 1922 was the date the first Scout troop was organized here by Dr. E. F. Stewart and Alfred Marcellus under the Boy Scouts of America. The national organization was incorporated on Feb. 8, 1910.

The proclamation not only recognized Boy Scouts, it also recognized the contributions of Explorer Units and Girl Scouts of the USA, "which all share values and goals."

There are two Scouts BSA troops in Fair Haven (girls and boys): Troop 125 G and Troop 125 B and Cub Pack 127. There are also several Girl Scout of the USA troops that operate independently, Rodriguez said.

Mayor Josh Halpern and the Borough Council named Dec. 6, 2022, as "Fair Haven's Scouting 100th Anniversary Day."

The council encourages "all citizens to join in congratulating the many volunteer leaders, parents, church and community organizations who have generously allowed bringing this values-based program to our young people for the past 100 years, and many more to come."

Rodriguez said Scouting helps develop lots of useful skills for young people:

"Scouting offers our youth an opportunity to build on the skills they learn at school, in athletics and through other community organizations, namely, Scouts utilize the outdoor method of teaching leadership, civics, and values to be used throughout their lifetime.

"Many of the life skills learned in Scouting are useful in adulthood, including planning, lifesaving, first aid, emergency preparedness and advanced communications."

"Our Scouts build critical and practical management skills at a young age and emerge as talented leaders in high school, making them excellent college candidates and beyond."