About Troop 56
The History of Troop 56
Troop 56 is currently researching its history as there are many gaps. The troop probably started in 1916 or earlier and was active until 1959 when it became inactive for seven months because there were only 8 Scouts. The troop was reactivated in March 1960 which is where our historical information started. There have been over 150 Eagle Scouts since 1960 but we believe that the number could be closer to 175 - 225 if we are able to aquire information on the troop in the early years.
Awards
Our troop has garnered awards for Outstanding Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster of the Year, Eagle Scout Project of the Year and many more. Don Bievenour,Assistant Scoutmaster, was awarded the Silver Beaver (Scouting's second highest award) in January 2002.
Information
Darryl Clifton has been the Scoutmaster since 1986 along with 8 Assistant Scoutmasters. Troop 56 strives to be a "boy-run" troop which means that at times the meetings seem less than organized than it would be if a parent ran them. This is how leadership skills are developed and the boys do not start out knowing everything about leading and organizations. They learn through Junior Leadership Training, observation, role modeling, and trial and error about what does and does not work. The meetings are managed by the Senior Patrol Leader and his 2 assistants.
Parents are encouraged to volunteer for a variety of responsibilities from Garage Sale Chairman to being an Assistant Scoutmaster. Taking an active role as a parent allows you to share time with your son and other boys along with giving the message that you believe Scouting is an important endeavor. Boy Scouts, like Cub Scouts, is a family affair but with a different focus. In Boy Scouts, the parents are assisting with the yearly planning and activities, but it is the boys responsibility to run the weekly meetings and be involved intimately with the planning. The monthly Parent Meetings are held at the same time as the boys are having their meeting. An annual calendar is distributed every August listing the meetings, special events,