Three-quarters of a century later, the Scouts are still meeting at the same location, the North and Southampton Reformed Church. The old barn in which they held their meetings has long since been torn down, but the boys gather every Monday night in an upstairs classroom. Here they plan hiking and camping trips, learn knot tying and tent assembly, and earn merit badges just as their brother Scouts have done for the last 75 years. The troop continues to have an active camping calendar including monthly camping trips, a week long summer camp, and a challenging high adventure trip for the older Scouts. The troop also runs a venture program, providing special trips geared towards the older Scouts.
The troop currently has 54 registered Scouts supported by an active Scoutmaster Corps and troop committee. It boasts an impressive list of 77 Eagle Scouts. Typically a scout spends approximately 6 years working towards this goal. Though a total of 21 merit badges is still required, the prescribed merit badges have changed over the years to keep up with the changing times. For example, Family Life is now a required badge for Eagle Scout. However, the Eagle Scout service project still remains as the major steppingstone on the "Trail to Eagle."
The troop's Diamond Anniversary Celebration is being held at Camp Ockanickon as a tribute to the many summers Scouts have spent at this camp. Troop 5 has been spending summers at Camp Ockanickon since its establishment in the early 1940's. Troop 5 has been very active over the years supporting Camp Ockanickon, building and refurbishing the rifle range, working onthe C.O.P.E. Course, the Nature Lodge and building the bridge out towards Lenape Campsite.
Troop 5 welcomes you all back for this celebration and appreciate your continued support. We look forward to our next 75 years of building scouting and serving the community.
Troop 5's Diamond Anniversary was celebrated on 24 October 1998 in Foster Hall at Camp Ockanickon, Bucks County Council, BSA.