This piece was written by Sarah Hoover, a first-time contributor to the Northern Lebanon Bulletin. Sarah is looking forward to continuing to bring news and info about the local Boy Scout Troops, as well as dive into some of our renown historical landmarks that surround us.
Here in Northern Lebanon we have our very own Boy Scout Troop 432. The Troop meets every Monday between 6:30pm-8pm at the Jonestown Legion, located at 335 N. Lancaster St. Jonestown, PA. Our local Troop is part of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council of Boy Scouts of America. The Council was chartered in 1971 which serves Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Troop 432 within the Council is part of the Iron Forge District.
Every summer, Troop 432 attends a weeklong Camp at the Bashore Scout Reservation, located right here in Jonestown. We are so fortunate to have this highly sought after attraction, right here in our little town. Bashore is a 400-acre Boy Scout Camp with miles of hiking trails, a 5.5-acre lake for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Other amenities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, shooting range, archery, and an indoor climbing gym. There are also three cabins for sleeping, heated by propane and wood stoves, and various primitive campsites throughout the landscape. Last year Camp Bashore celebrated their 75th Anniversary.
On January 28th, 2023, Troop 432 just participated in the annual Klondike Derby event held at Camp Mack. During this event the troops will push sleds to each individual station to complete challenges. These challenges will test their strength, knowledge, and their ability to work together as a team. At the end of the day their scores are compared, and awards are handed out. The 8 boys from Troop 432 of Jonestown PA, pushing the sled named, Big Red One, was awarded 1st place!
Currently Troop 432 is preparing for the upcoming Mall Show, which will take place at the Lebanon Valley Mall from Sunday, February 5th to Friday, February 10th, with a closing ceremony commencing Friday at 8pm. During this week, the public will have the opportunity to walk throughout the mall preferably between the hours of 6pm-8pm. At this time you may view the booths and participate in games run by the different Scouts within the Pennsylvania Dutch Council. Be sure to stop by table 432, for the opportunity to meet some of our Scouts and Leaders from Jonestown.
Boys can join at the age of 10 1/2 where they begin working towards earning the highest rank. The rank of an Eagle Scout is usually completed their senior year in high school. Their last requirement involves the completion of a large community project that improves something within the community. During their years as a Boy Scout in addition to summer camp, Scouts may attend monthly camping trips with their Leaders, participate in the parade, and host a flag retirement ceremony in the fall, among other things.
The Scout Oath is: “On my honor I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
If you or someone you know is interested in joining Boy Scouts, the Mall Show is a great opportunity to see what’s out there. You may also stop in at the Jonestown Legion on Monday’s at 6:30 pm to visit Troop 432 and begin registration.
